Psychology
Charles Spence
Sensehacking
Professor Charles Spence, a renowned expert in sensory research from the University of Oxford's Department of Experimental Psychology, shares insights on how to utilize your senses to enhance your life's happiness.
Lesson Plan
- Lesson Length : 14 Lessons ㆍ 1 hours 57 miutes
- Language : 한국어, English
Mastering sense-hacking for a better life.
The constant beeping of cell phones, tablets, and computers, along with the glow of monitors, can lead to excessive dopamine production. Many people experience sensory overload from prolonged digital device usage, prompting some Silicon Valley tech companies to practice 'dopamine fasting' by reducing digital consumption. However, Charles Spence argues that the issue is not sensory overload, but rather sensory imbalance. According to him, we suffer because we excessively use our visual and auditory senses compared to others. Common symptoms include stress and insomnia. Particularly today, many spend 90 to 95 percent of their time indoors, where lack of sunlight and poor ventilation can exacerbate sensory imbalance. This condition has become more prevalent as people have spent increased time indoors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Spence emphasizes that balanced stimulation of human senses is essential for maintaining a healthy and happy life. Since our creativity and productivity are significantly influenced by our environment, creating a space that stimulates all our senses evenly is crucial. This is referred to as a multisensory environment, with nature – such as mountains and forests – being a prime example. Furthermore, natural sounds like birds chirping, water flowing, and the smells of earth and grass have been shown to boost well-being. This is why city dwellers increasingly seek out nature. But what about those unable to escape to mountains or the sea? Charles Spence offers strategies for replicating the effects of nature in offices, homes, or hospitals. Learn how to stimulate your senses properly and live a happier life by making small, simple changes to your surroundings, as guided by the master of sensory research.
Full Bio
Charles Spence
- Doctor of Psychology, University of Oxford, UK
- Professor of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, UK
- British Psychology Society’s Experimental Psychology Society Prize (2003)
- European Society for Cognitive Psychology's (ESCOP) Paul Bertelson Prize (2003)
- Friedrich - Wilhelm Bessel Research Award, Germany (2005)
- Ig Nobel Prize in Nutrition (2008)
Charles Spencer, a professor of experimental psychology at Oxford, is a leading authority in sensory research, delving into how everyday sensory experiences influence our lives. His research topics include investigating why beer and soda logos often feature a red star and which scents can help alleviate pain. Although considered eccentric within academic circles for his unconventional studies, Spencer's expertise is highly sought after by global corporations and top chefs when developing new products and menus.
Spencer was awarded the 2008 Ig Nobel Prize, humorously referred to as the "silly Nobel," for his detailed study on the sound produced by chewing chips. This recognition underscores his unique approach to experimental psychology, focusing on the nuances of sensory perception that people often overlook, such as why clock hands in commercials are set to 10:10, why restaurant tables are covered with white tablecloths, and the reason behind the slow-tempo music playing in department stores.
Currently, Spencer is exploring how to harness the five senses—taste, smell, touch, sight, and pain—to enhance the quality of life for patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities. His work aims to demonstrate that a deeper understanding of our senses can significantly improve daily living, providing insights that help us live better lives.
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