In today’s world of non-stop scrolling, ads, and digital fatigue, standing out is harder than ever. Brands are constantly looking for new ways to grab attention—but more importantly, to build emotional connections that last. One powerful, often underused strategy? Multisensory branding.
We’re talking about engaging more than just the eyes. Think sound. Touch. Even scent. A multisensory approach can make branding feel personal, real, and memorable—especially when blending physical and digital touchpoints.
Let’s explore how brands can create deeper connections with audiences by moving beyond visuals and into the realm of full-sensory experiences.
Why Sensory Branding Matters
We don’t just perceive brands. We experience them. Sensory branding taps into our brain’s natural wiring, which forms stronger memories when multiple senses are activated.
According to ScienceDirect, sensory brand experiences foster brand loyalty through emotional attachment. That bond isn’t just about liking a logo—it’s about how that brand makes someone feel.
And consumers are on board:
- 63% actively seek multisensory brand experiences.
- 84% say sensory in-store experiences influence their buying decisions.
- 85% are more likely to make a purchase after participating in experiential events.
The conclusion is that multisensory design isn’t fluff. It’s strategy.
Tactile Branding: Making It Physical
In a digital-heavy era, physical touchpoints carry surprising weight. Tactile interactions add dimension to your brand’s personality. People remember how things feel.
Branded Apparel and Textures
Printed merchandise like shirts, tote bags, and textured packaging introduces your brand into daily life—not just as a logo but as a tactile presence.
A great place to start? T-shirt printing. It’s simple, visible, and wearable. Add high-quality fabric, custom textures, and unique print techniques, and you’re embedding your brand into something people touch and wear.
Want variety? Blank hoodies offer a versatile canvas for tactile branding. Choose fleece-lined interiors or heavyweight fabrics to evoke warmth, comfort, and quality.
When a consumer wears your merch, your brand becomes part of their identity. That’s emotional currency.
Packaging That Speaks (and Feels)
Think of luxury perfume boxes or tech gadgets with magnetic lids. Texture, weight, and material matter. It’s not just the design—it’s the feel.
Strategic texture choices create associations: rough equals rugged, soft equals caring, and metallic equals premium.
Sound and Storytelling in Branding
Sound often flies under the radar. But it’s deeply emotional and incredibly sticky. Think of the Netflix “ta-dum” or the Intel chime. That’s sonic branding.
Whether it’s background music in a video, voiceover tone, or a product sound, audio becomes part of your brand signature.
- Podcasts and brand playlists can build consistency.
- Audio logos reinforce brand presence on digital platforms.
- Voice branding (think Alexa or customer service bots) helps shape brand personality.
Don’t forget storytelling. A compelling brand story, told through sound, video, and even interactive digital content, triggers imagination and emotional resonance.
Digital Touchpoints: Bringing Senses Online
So, how do you bring tactile or multisensory ideas into the digital world? The answer isn’t just better visuals.
According to The Collective One, brands now simulate sensory touchpoints online to drive deeper engagement. Here’s how:
Interactive Design
Think digital experiences with scroll-triggered animations, haptic feedback (on mobile apps), and gamified elements. These simulate movement and touch, even on screens.
Consistent Sensory Signals
Your email signature, website tone, and social media videos should use consistent color schemes, voiceovers, and even background sounds. This builds sensory familiarity.
Over time, users begin to feel your brand before they logically engage with it.
Case Studies: Brands Doing It Right
Apple: Simplicity You Can Feel
Apple stores are an excellent multisensory brand example. Cool metal, warm wood tables, minimal visuals, and soft ambient sound. The digital experience reflects the same clean, intuitive aesthetic.
Their packaging design? An experience of its own.
Abercrombie & Fitch: Scent-Based Memory
Abercrombie used a consistent store scent for years. You knew you were in an A&F store even before seeing the logo. That smell became part of their identity.
Today, digital spaces mimic this with background audio and consistent aesthetics.
Spotify: Sound as Identity
From curated playlists to personalized “Wrapped” recaps, Spotify is built around personal audio experience. Their UI design and algorithmic music choices align perfectly with the emotional rhythms of users.
Luxury Hotels: Total Immersion
A Springer study highlighted how luxury hotels used scent, texture, sound, and lighting to elevate guest experiences. The result? Stronger brand loyalty and higher perceived value.
Practical Tips for Brands
You don’t need to be Apple or Abercrombie to get started. Here are actionable ideas:
- Invest in merchandise. Start with branded t-shirt printing or cozy blank hoodies.
- Use textures purposefully. In packaging, signage, or print material.
- Create a sonic logo. Keep it short and consistent across media.
- Add interactivity to digital assets. Use animations, sounds, and reactive design.
- Tell better stories. Use video, sound, and design to share emotional brand narratives.
- Stay consistent. Across physical and digital channels.
Most importantly, test what resonates. Sensory marketing is about the feeling you leave behind.
Wrapping Up
Multisensory branding is more than a trend—it’s a long-term strategy for deeper customer connections. By engaging touch, sound, and even scent, brands can create richer, more memorable experiences that go beyond the screen.
Whether through textured packaging, t-shirt printing, sonic branding, or immersive storytelling, the goal is the same: to make your brand unforgettable.
In a crowded market, that’s not just smart. It’s necessary.