Diploma in High-End Sensory Experience
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in high-end sensory experience, structured in 8 modules covering sensory perception, haptic, sound, olfactory and lighting design, integrated experiences and sensory evaluation with ISO 13299, ISO 8586 and HEAD ArtemiS SUITE, with an assigned technical tutor.
Diploma in High-End Sensory Experience — studying from Australia
Product design and human-machine interface work is important across Australian industries, from consumer goods and medical devices to mining equipment and transport systems. Designers and engineers collaborate on usability, ergonomics and visual interfaces, with growing attention to accessibility standards and user research. Australia has active design communities in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, supported by universities and design agencies. Employers include manufacturers, software companies, consultancies and in-house product teams in large organisations.
Fees for Australia: A$2,050 (AUD), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Australia
Typical roles
Questions from Australia
Does a SEIUM qualification count for professional design recognition in Australia?
Australian design practice is recognised through bodies such as the Design Institute of Australia, which runs professional membership, and Engineers Australia covers engineering-related design. SEIUM's private qualifications are not accredited by these bodies. Employers and the relevant body decide whether it counts toward recognition.
Which Australian employers need HMI and product design skills?
Australia has product design studios, software companies, automotive and medical device firms, and consultancies needing interface and product designers. Employers usually look closely at your portfolio and user research work. A SEIUM qualification may complement this, but its weight is determined by each employer.
Can I study this part-time from Australia and what language level is needed?
Yes, the courses are 100% online, so you can study from home across Australia without a student visa. Teaching is in English, so you need solid English proficiency. Durations range from 300 to 1,900 hours, with an assigned technical tutor, instalment payments, and possible employer sponsorship.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain the fundamentals of multisensory perception and its relationship with the brand.
Design the haptic and tactile attributes of controls and surfaces.
Create sound identities using psychoacoustic criteria.
Control the odour and emissions of materials.
Define light and colour scenarios consistent with the high end.
Apply standardised sensory analysis methods.
Design and validate an integrated sensory experience.
Who it's for
- Sensory experience designers working on premium products.
- Sound quality engineers looking to broaden into the full multisensory experience.
- Sensory analysis specialists who want to apply their methods to durable goods.
- Ambient lighting designers in automotive and luxury interiors.
- Haptic designers developing controls and touch surfaces.
- Customer experience researchers in high-end brands.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter the premium automotive sector.
What you'll work with
- ISO 13299 (sensory analysis – sensory profiling)
- ISO 8586 (selection and training of sensory assessors)
- ISO 4120 (sensory analysis – triangle test)
- VDA 270 (odour evaluation of vehicle interior materials)
- VDA 278 (organic emissions from vehicle interior materials)
- ISO 532-1 (calculation of loudness – Zwicker method)
- ECMA-418-2 (psychoacoustic metrics for product sound quality)
- ISO 6658 (sensory analysis methodology – general guidance)
- HEAD ArtemiS SUITE
- Audiokinetic Wwise
- Compusense
- XLSTAT
8 modules
1.1Physiology of the senses1.2Multisensory integration in the brain1.3Emotions and Kansei engineering1.4Sensory expectations of luxury1.5Sensory congruence with the brand1.6Sensory memory and associations1.7Cultural differences in perception1.8Neuromarketing and sensory stimuli1.9Crossmodal correspondences in design1.10Workshop: sensory map of an iconic product
2.1Mechanoreceptors and the sense of touch2.2Perceived texture, hardness and temperature2.3Perceived and measured roughness2.4Active haptic feedback2.5Rotary controls and click feel2.6Soft-touch surfaces2.7Perceived weight and density2.8Grip ergonomics2.9Tactile sensory panels2.10Lab: force-travel curve of a control
3.1Psychoacoustics: loudness, sharpness and roughness3.2Door-closing sound3.3Interface sound design3.4Hierarchy of alert sounds3.5Engine sound and acoustic vehicle alerting systems3.6Quality of the premium audio system3.7Anechoic chamber and artificial head3.8ECMA-418-2 psychoacoustic metrics3.9Brand sound signatures3.10Practical: designing a set of interface sounds
4.1Olfactory perception and adaptation4.2New-material odour4.3Odour evaluation according to VDA 2704.4Organic emissions according to VDA 2784.5Scenting of spaces4.6Brand olfactory signatures4.7Filtration and clean air4.8Odour and quality perception4.9Olfactory assessor panels4.10Case study: reducing the odour of an upholstery
5.1Ambient lighting and emotions5.2Colour temperature and colour rendering5.3Dynamic lighting and animations5.4Gloss, matt and reflection5.5Colour and meaning in the high end5.6Backlit translucent materials5.7Glare and visual comfort5.8Luminance measurement5.9Colour harmony between materials5.10Workshop: ambient lighting scenario
6.1Customer journey and moments of truth6.2Welcome and use ritual6.3Multisensory choreography of stimuli6.4Personalisation and experience modes6.5Purchase and delivery experience6.6Continuity between the physical and the digital6.7Experience prototyping6.8Storyboards and scenarios6.9Measuring emotional responses6.10Case study: welcome sequence in a premium vehicle
7.1Sensory profiling according to ISO 132997.2Selection and training of assessors (ISO 8586)7.3Discrimination and triangle tests7.4Hedonic preference scales7.5Correlation with instrumental methods7.6Statistics of sensory data7.7Clinics with high-end customers7.8Sensory benchmarking against competitors7.9Translation into technical specifications7.10Lab: triangle test of textures
8.1Brand and product briefing8.2User research8.3Overall sensory concept8.4Haptic and sound design8.5Light and materials proposal8.6Experience prototype8.7Sensory evaluation with assessors8.8Final sensory specifications8.9Report and presentation8.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
The programme is 100% online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so it fits around your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. You work with HEAD ArtemiS SUITE, Audiokinetic Wwise, Compusense and XLSTAT, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Exercises are based on real procedures: sensory evaluation panels with trained assessors, psychoacoustic measurements in an anechoic chamber and odour evaluations of interior materials. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrating project.
Standards covered: ISO 13299, ISO 8586, ISO 4120, VDA 270, VDA 278, ISO 532-1, ECMA-418-2, ISO 6658.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 800 hours over 6–8 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with HEAD ArtemiS SUITE, Audiokinetic Wwise, Compusense and XLSTAT, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector (no university degree required), a computer able to run the programme software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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