1 March, 2010
Synesthesia is a unique sensory phenomenon
For a synaesthete, instead of these senses remaining separate entities, the senses get mixed up. Taken quite literally a synaesthete may be able to taste a shape or see a colour in a sound. Synaesthetes actually experience these sensations rather than just imagining them.
Although fifty different types of synaesthesia have been identified, only one in two hundred people from the general population experience this phenomenon.
Further, this is known to be seven times as common in creative people as in the general population. Recently scientists have attempted to explain the link between synaesthesia and creative people by identifying that creative people may possess abilities which enable them to find and make links between seemingly unrelated domains.
These creative types are identified as possessing a facility in their brains for metaphor. The concept of synaesthesia can be used to explain this. This facility for metaphor enables creative people to see deep links between superficially dissimilar and unrelated concepts.
Synaesthesia is by no means a recently developed concept. In fact, it has been around for hundreds of years and until recently was regarded as nothing more than a mere curiosity. However scientific explanations for synaesthesia have only been developed over recent years. It is these investigations into the intricacies of this phenomenon that now enable me to conceptualise my unique thought process.
For decades synaesthesia was seen as a ‘flaky’ sensation, often dismissed as the synaesthetes simply experiencing childhood memories and associations. However synaesthesia has recently had the benefit of scientific investigation. Scientists have identified that there are numerous high-level concepts anchored in specific regions of the brain. It has been noted that in synaesthetes there is often an excess of communication among these different regions.
This varies depending on the individual and more specifically it varies in terms of where and how widely in the brain the communication is expressed. It is this that has been identified as being responsible for those creative synaesthetes to be able to link seemingly unrelated concepts and ideas. Moreover, in my case this offers a window into the nature of my thought process.
Synaesthesia allows me to experience the ordinary world in an extraordinary way. I can only describe it to be something like a mysterious limbo, a no-man’s land, which exists between two different worlds – fantasy and reality. I am able to feel in between these two worlds and my thought process is a journey between them.
Upon being set a problem, task or challenge, in my mind I experience different shadowy shapes that will lead to a solution. The connections between these seemingly unrelated concepts grow and appear organically. It is these connections that float around in my mind until I am able to identify the solution.
Synaesthesia is the concept that best explains my way of thinking. Problems are solved and solutions reached by the manner in which my mind is able to work through tasks. As a synaesthete I am able to see things differently.
Trying to communicate your business needs to the creatives inside and outside your organisation is difficult and sometimes impossible – unless you can speak their language, or speak creative. I am able to provide an effective mechanism at the pivotal point between the business aims of an organisation and the creative means needed to achieve them, I can deliver the right amount of management control while allowing the creative talent to produce its best.
Sources / Acknowledgements:
Ramachandran, Vilayanur S. and Hubbard, Edward M, in Scientific American, May 2003 Volume 288 No.5 (Scientific American, Inc.) pg.43 ww.sciam.com
Lecture notes Reith Lecture Series Ramachandran, Vilayanur S.
October 4, 2009
There has been a renaissance in the creative world; good thinking and good design are once again much valued and the disciplines of design research are being applied to a wider set of challenges. It may surprise you to learn that this has not always been the case.
October 4, 2009
There are a number of places you can find out more about my career. This link takes you to a short Flash presentation which shows how my design career has evolved into a consultancy role which allows me to continue to help clients with their problems.
October 4, 2009
Each Case History is a précis of projects undertaken by Town Group and marketing managers will find the scenarios familiar. If you have a particular situation which requires some outside help, or would like to know more about a particular project then please contact me for further information.
October 4, 2009
Synesthesia is a unique sensory phenomenon
People who are affected by it, experience the blending or interaction of two or more of their senses – touch, taste, hearing, smell and vision. I have a type of synesthesia and use it to come up with new ideas and connections.
October 4, 2009
Here is a list of other places on the web where we can meet.
October 4, 2009
one2six creative ltd is a design company specialising in book design and lifestyle publishing under the direction of Maggie Town. It is also the umbrella company and legal entity under which I conduct my business activities.
October 4, 2009 Actions speak louder than words
No one will argue with the fact that Britain is a great place for creative talent or that we let others exploit it to reap the rewards. We have scored some spectacular own-goals in this area and I want to do something about it.
October 4, 2009
The design business has changed dramatically since I started work and this history illustrates those changes through a portfolio of work and commentary.