Sensesable

Sensesable is a term used to describe systems, products, or environments designed to be easily perceived and interpreted by human senses. The word combines sense with the suffix -able, signaling perceptibility or accessibility. It is not a standardized term in major academic disciplines, and its meaning varies by context.

In design and human-computer interaction, sensesable design emphasizes the perceptibility of information across modalities. Practitioners focus on legibility, clear mappings between input and sensory feedback, and redundancy across channels to accommodate diverse user abilities. The goal is to make data and cues readily detectable without excessive cognitive effort.

In technology and accessibility, sensesable approaches often incorporate multimodal cues such as visual highlights, auditory signals, and tactile feedback. In assistive technology, sensesable design seeks to provide alternative channels for users with visual, hearing, or motor impairments and to support quick comprehension in dynamic environments, such as dashboards, wearables, or control systems.

In culture and industry, sensesable has appeared as a brand name or fictional concept in some sci-fi and design discussions. Because it is not a fixed term, its precise definition depends on the project or discourse.

Critics of the term note that its vagueness can hinder clear communication unless tied to specific design criteria, metrics, or standards. Proponents argue that it highlights a user-centered emphasis on perceivability and inclusive design.

Related concepts include perceptible design, accessible design, multi-sensory design, and haptic feedback, as well as sensory augmentation and sensory substitution.