Photo Carmen Zammit

Manifesto for Sensory Intelligence

Written by Isabel Johnson (Ed Supreme) for Sensory Experiments, NGV Melbourne Design Week 2019.
We assert that at some point in modern times, as we gradually and irrevocably shifted our modes of interaction with the world through technological advancement, an acute imbalance in our sensorial perceptions occurred.

Being human begins with ‘sensorial power’. It is a rapid-fire physiological chain reaction. We receive environmental stimuli through our five traditional senses; this sensory information is transmitted through the nervous system’s pathways to the brain; our understanding of our physical context is understood. We concurrently feed back to our environment with actions, interacting with new stimuli, and the messages continue to discharge.

Being human is also equally what we do with this understanding. How we cognitively and emotionally shape our individual worlds with what we know and what we feel. Each of the senses combine to create our own whole picture of ourselves, of others, and of the world around us.

This picture has become interrupted, or distorted, by prioritising certain senses over others. The modern age, with its digital frameworks and consumption agenda, promotes, even requires, that we give primary import to visual cues. Next, perhaps, auditory. Gustation (taste), olfaction (smell) and somatosensory (touch) are not denied, however they are not afforded prime currency.

We are not tasting our food, we are sharing images of it. We are not tapping someone on the shoulder, we are swiping our screens. We are not information-sharing through conversation, we are plugging our ears with high frequencies. We increasingly go about our daily activity as isolated automatons; our fundamental contextual connections are invisible threads characterised by 0s and 1s.

With full appreciation of the clichéd nature of our imperative: it is time to stop and smell the roses. To reconnect with what underwrites the human experience. Research has determined that feeling and appreciating a sense of connection to nature, and living in the present moment, is one significant, inalienable factor in achieving life satisfaction.¹

How can design shape the future? First, we must determine what we, as humans, want in that future and how we must live to achieve that. If it is life satisfaction, which is achieved through appreciation of our perceived contexts – both naturally occurring and man-made – then it becomes a need. We must investigate a human-felt future, where no hierarchy or imbalance between and within technology and the senses exist. We must encourage designing for the pleasure of holistic connectivity and the provocation of existing material values.

To begin to establish a bridge between fleeting sensorial moments and a permanent awareness of the need to fully activate, interpret and feel our connections to self, others and nature, we present Sensory Experiments and the resultant Manifesto for Sensory Intelligence.

Such a manifesto would betray its intent if it were to rely solely on the written word. This document serves as an introduction to the Experiments. The Manifesto shall be created by all participants in the Experiments, through their cognitive, emotional and physiological interaction with the Three Hypotheses. In three distinct environments, the senses will be saturated with stimuli in varying combinations and guises.

Creator-Participants will be provided with basic direction though may engage with full agency. Their sensory responses will be recorded and transmitted to the digital realm, where the Manifesto will be stored as an available reference in endeavours intended to shape a human-felt future.

1. N.S. Fagley, ‘Appreciation uniquely predicts life satisfaction above demographics, the Big 5 personality factors, and gratitude’, Personality and Individual Differences, Volume 53, Issue 1, July 2012, Pages 59-63.)

HYPOTHESIS #1

Sense-scape: Self

To be present, we must sharpen our connection to The Self. By instilling consciousness in the moment and acknowledging the enduring influence of lost rituals, we allow our sensory perceptions to guide a return to the primal core.

Recall yourself to the current moment. Demote all context but for your immediate surroundings. Bypass discursive (straying) thoughts. Observe, slow your rhythms, acutely focus on what you think and feel, here, and now. Reflect, connect – your senses will lead you.

HYPOTHESIS #2

Sense-scape: Others

Connectivity with proximate others through social practices is fundamental to living an enriched, multi-layered existence. If we remove the barriers that devices create, untying the invisible digital threads, we rediscover an alternate sense of consciousness in sync with our fellow beings.

Gather, prepare. Through sacred dance, an initiation awaits, though waits for no one, while every heart beats in sync. Drop all pretence, leave your masks at the door. Listen with your body. Rediscover the ground we walk on, together; celebrate the world we leave our marks upon, together. Accept, connect – your neighbours will allow you.

HYPOTHESIS #3

Sense-scape: Nature

We have modified and manipulated nature to suit a convenient lifestyle and material objectives. Reflecting upon the consequences of a distorted reverence of nature’s incredible beauty, we may reset our connection with nature and humble ourselves through awe.

Conjure your memories of nature’s impression. Consider where your gaze rests, savour the gift. Be aware of your urges and let your senses tell you the real story. Respect, connect – nature will repay you.