Aromatherapy (Smell)
Aromatherapy (SMell)
Designers
- Bingrui Fan
- Mingren Fu
- Long L
Project Description
Mental and physical health are equally important components of overall health. Long-term depression could lead to other forms of physical health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. To address this problem, our team has built an experience that will comfort the users through multiple sensory modalities, including scent, music, and light. The experience will consist of both a physical and digital interface. In this case, our app and diffusor. The physical interface would be our diffusor, and the digital interface would be our app. Individuals who struggle with cognitive disabilities (depression, anxiety, mental struggles) or experience stress and anyone who wishes to relax can use our product. With the help of AI, the app can give recommendations based on a person’s mood & energy level. Users can then combine the suggested essential oils and enjoy the all-in-one diffuser. While emitting mist, the diffuser can play music and will have different light options for users to choose from.
Timeline
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09/07/2023: Class Began, Group Formed
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09/14/2023: Mingren Joined, Blog Created
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09/21/2023: A Few Final Ideas Formed
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09/28/2023: Final Idea Selected
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10/05/2023: First Prototype Done
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10/12/2023: User Feedback Survey Created and Sent out
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10/19/2023: User Feedback Survey Reeived, Second Round of User Survey Prepared
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10/26/2023: Rapid Prototype Created
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11/02/2023: 3D Model Created and Refiend, Figma File Updated
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11/09/2023: Figma File Updated
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11/16/2023: 3D Model Printed, Acrylic Sheets Bought and Cut
- 11/30/2023: Printed Parts Collected, Physical Model Assembled, Figma File Updated
- 12/07/2023: Final Presentation in-class | Prototype Testing
- 12/14/2023: Final Presentation
Weekly Updates
Questions to Consider:
- Could a blind person use and understand my project?
- Could a Deaf person use and understand my project?
- Could a Deafblind person use and understand my project?
09/14/2023 – Assignment #1
Smell is processed in a deep, central part of the brain called the olfactory bulb. Scent receptors detect smell molecules and pass information to the brain. Since smell is embedded within the most basic functions of the brain, it can release strong emotions, activate memories and trigger cognitive processes.
Research 1:
“Re__” exhibition by Sissel Tolaas. She’s an Norwegian artist, researcher and researched diverse aspects of scents. She intentionally minimized the visual elements to make the visitors can enjoy the full experience.
Research 2:
Research 3:
Synesthesia machine
Is an artificial intelligence with synesthesia, it will emit corresponding unique scents while preserving human facial expression.
It collects images through the input part and analyzes them through artificial intelligence programs to drive the odor generation part.
When the audience walks into the image collection area and stays for 3 seconds, the camera will take a photo of the audience’s face, and input it to the artificial intelligence program to analyze the emotion of the audience in the photo.
The test tubes in the odor-generating installation on the right are respectively filled with wood scent, chemical odor, fruity, and bad-smelling liquids. The program will drive the installation to operate and draw different proportions of odorous liquid to the upper test tube based on the results of the facial expression analysis.
Spray the odor through the atomization installation and mix it in the hemisphere, finally, the fan turns on to blow out the mixed smell based on the audience’s facial expression data, different expressions are translated to unique smells.
Research 4:
Design Critic Notes:
Depending on the available room, artwork that is purposefully scented may not be suitable for confined spaces due to scent dispersion.
A single fragrance centralized in the area could merge the sensory experiences of the audience.
If possible, convey our message bidirectionally through the sense of smell. The smell is a subjective sense; on a larger scale, the recall of specific odors varies from person to person. Choose a familiar aroma to engage a wide audience while maintaining the element of mystery through subtle visual cues.
09/21/2023 – Assignment #2
Project Idea #1 – Magic Pillow + Lamp
Sensory Elements
- Smell
- Vision
- Hearing
What the user does?
The user can choose their preferred scent by placing small packets of artificial flavors around the corners of their pillows.
What the interfaces does in response?
The interface automatically releases the chosen smell whenever the person sleeps on it. It can also play sound (ambient noise) to help them fall asleep.
Sketches:
Project Idea #2 – Smell Visualizer
Sensory Elements
- Smell
- Vision
- Touch
What the user does?
When users touch or press on a cube, it triggers an interaction. Each cube represents a unique combination of scent and color. Simultaneously, the color of the cube changes to match the color associated with the scent. In our example, the cube turns yellow as the citrus scent is released.
What the interfaces does in response?
The use of diffusing stone at the base, aligns with the characteristics of scents. The free traces left on the plaster from pigmented imprints also signify the imprints that scents leave. The touch-sensitive cubes are designed to respond to physical contact from users. When a user touches or presses on a cube, it activates a series of sensory responses.
Sketches:
Project Idea #3 – Aromatherapy with Evolving Scents
Sensory Elements
- Smell
- Vision
- Touch
What the user does?
Users can interact with the aromatherapy installation by selecting different-colored aroma blocks, each associated with unique scents. Applied the concept of stacking toys for children to the design of fragrances, introducing a new form to traditional scents.
What the interfaces does in response?
As they place these blocks into the aroma pillars, the interface responds by emitting the chosen scent, and users can enjoy the evolving aroma over the course of an hour while engaging in various relaxing activities.
Project Idea #4 – Memory of Smell
Sensory Elements
- Smell
- Touch (Tactile)
- Sound
What the user does?
Behind the Curtain, by passing through the curtain, User can experience new scents, sound and tactiles. Users can feel the hand feel of curtains, which are made of different materials, and enjoy the scents. Currently thinking of using a seasonal scents representing spring, summer, fall and winter, as our memory fades away as time passes, the sound volume would be lower as the user’s distance between the kinect, which would be connected to the diffusers, becomes farther away.
What the interfaces does in response?
The Kinect is connected to the diffusers and sound speaker which are activated by the user’s distance. When user’s distance are close enough to the curtains, the diffusers are activated and user can smell the scents, and by passing through, following their foot’s position, people can hear their footsteps fade away toward the end of the experience.
Sketches:
Inspiration:
- AirUp Bottle: It works by tricking a person’s brain (through the sense of smell) into thinking they are drinking flavored water when the pure water (without any taste) is what’s actually in the bottle
FeedBack:
- People use different items can ask users to make make their own AR experience so they can share with friends.
- Invite multiple users to experience the same device/idea. Each user will provide unique feedback and feelings.
- Scent comes from the pillow only.
- Or, same, consistent smell all over the room, to make the experience better. Like put the scent packs in the blanket or some home accessories.
- Speaker plays pre-selected voices (like the voice of mom or dad), and the voice can be customized. With the scent, the experience will become more immersive.
09/28/2023 – Assignment #3
Takeaways from Class Crit:
The feedback we received from the last session was very helpful. Inspired by the original magic pillow idea, we’ve decided to combine the sensory element of smell with visuals and sound to create a more immersive experience. Since scent (smell specifically) works best in an indoor environment, we’ll focus on building inclusive home appliances for users of all abilities. To enhance customization (or flexibility), we’ll also incorporate AI technologies into our project.
Project Description:
An app (with AI) that recommends users a scent (or a combination of scents) based on their emotions/feelings of the day. Users can either select one of the options on the screen or type in their own feeling. The scents will be delivered via an essential oil diffuser. After the user puts the recommended amount of essential oil (in drops) into the diffuser, the app will automatically play a corresponding soundtrack (ambient noise) and turn on the diffuser. The device will light up as it emits a pleasant fragrance. For accessibility purposes, we’ll include a screen reader in the app.
Sketch (Storyboard):
10/05/2023 – Assignment #4
1-minute Demo Video:
Physical Prototype:
10/12/2023 – Assignment #5
Research Objectives:
- Determine the scent that will work the best for each user’s mood & energy level.
- Determine the music that will work the best for each user’s mood & energy level.
- Determine the light that will work the best for each user’s mood & energy level.
User Feedback*:
| Name | Emotion | Scent | Music | Color of the Light |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nina | Happy | Sweet (flower) | Korean music | Warm, pink, soft |
| Mggie | Tired | Flower | Popular music Jay Chou | Pink, blue, soft |
| Cassidy | Distracted | Citrus | Light music | Warm yellow |
| Long (Zhenglong) | Chill | CBD | Hipop | Light Blue |
| Yihua Li | Stressful | Orange | Hyper pop (white noise music) | Dim light yellow |
*We’ll interview more users
Survey: https://forms.gle/DpQ91CeADFgpYK3x9
10/19/23 – Assignment #6
Key findings from interview and user testings:
- 6 out of 7 participants we interviewed find natural fragrances (either from fruits or flowers) helpful when feeling stressed, distracted, or tired.
- 4 out of 7 participants preferred listening to pop music during their leisure time.
- Some pages of our app have different design styles. We need to ensure design consistency.
- 3 our 7 participants prefer to enjoy suggested music, light and smell at the same time, and also would like to have customization features later on.
- Think of how people would engage with the app – one hand, or two hands. Gesture, etc. We also need to consider how big the screen is. For example, if the screen is too big, the user might won’t be able to use our timer page, because how to adjust time is through a semicircle.
- Ensure that all elements, from buttons to titles and the overall UX design, are intuitive and provide seamless transitions between pages.
10/26/23 – Assignment #7
Presentation
Prototyping
- Figma (Digital Demo)
- Physical Demo:
Feedbacks from class
- Include users’ history
- Ensure color contrast (4.5-1) – Stark
- Rounded sidebar for brightness
- Data tracking – time spent, mood, users’ preference vs AI suggestions
- “Transport” users into the experience by incorporating the speaker into the diffuser
11/02/23 – Assignment #8
Material List:
- Acrylic – We will use acrylic to create an outer cover for the diffuser. This is a transparent thermoplastic often used as a more durable alternative to glass.
- Screw – The parts will be created from a laser cutter, and we’ll use screws to piece everything together.
- Bluetooth Speaker – The added Bluetooth speaker will provide a more immersive experience for our users by allowing audio to play from inside the diffuser.
- Wood – We might use wood for the base, but we haven’t decided yet.
11/09/23 – Assignment #9
Accomplishments:
- Built a 3D model of the diffuser cover
- Created a setting page
- New color palette
- Re-design navigation menu
- Further enhanced our app based on the previous feedback
11/16/23 – Assignment #10
| Elements | Questions and Considerations |
| Who? | Who are we designing for?
|
| What? | What are we designing?
An experience that will comfort the users through multiple sensory modalities including scent, music, and light. The experience will consists of both a physical and digital interface:
|
| When? | When will the experience take place?
The experience can take place when the users are feeling overwhelmed or if they wanted to relax. The following is a list that shows the experience from the user’s perspective:
|
| Where? | Where will the experience take place?
The experience will take place at home, specifically at the following locations:
|
| Why? | Why are we designing this interface?
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention):
Mental and physical health are equally important components of overall health. Long-term depression could lead to other forms of physical health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. |
11/23/23 – Thanksgiving Break
11/30/23 – Assignment #11
Achievements:
Our group has made quite some progress since the previous class. We 3D printed the angle brackets at the Tandon Makerspace and pieced everything together using screws. We’ve prepared the acrylic and enhanced the accessibility of our app based on the feedback received last time.
Milestones:
- Finish building the physical prototype
- Added additional pages to the app
- Completed accessibility check
5 W’s Chart:
| Elements | Questions and Considerations |
| Who? | Who are we designing for?
|
| What? | What are we designing?
An experience that will comfort the users through multiple sensory modalities including scent, music, and light. The experience will consists of both a physical and digital interface:
|
| When? | When will the experience take place?
The experience can take place when the users are feeling overwhelmed or if they wanted to relax. The following is a list that shows the experience from the user’s perspective:
|
| Where? | Where will the experience take place?
The experience will take place at home, specifically at the following locations:
|
| Why? | Why are we designing this interface?
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention):
Mental and physical health are equally important components of overall health. Long-term depression could lead to other forms of physical health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. |
12/07/23 – Assignment #12
Project Description:
Mental and physical health are equally important components of overall health. Long-term depression could lead to other forms of physical health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. To address this problem, our team has built an experience that will comfort the users through multiple sensory modalities, including scent, music, and light. The experience will consist of both a physical and digital interface. In this case, our app and diffusor. The physical interface would be our diffusor, and the digital interface would be our app. Individuals who struggle with cognitive disabilities (depression, anxiety, mental struggles) or experience stress and anyone who wishes to relax can use our product. With the help of AI, the app can give recommendations based on a person’s mood & energy level. Users can then combine the suggested essential oils and enjoy the all-in-one diffuser. While emitting mist, the diffuser can play music and will have different light options for users to choose from.
Timeline:
09/07/2023 – Class Began, Group Formed
09/14/2023 – Mingren Joined, Blog Created
09/21/2023 – A Few Final Ideas Formed
09/28/2023 – Final Idea Selected
10/05/2023 – First Prototype Done
10/12/2023 – User Feedback Survey Created and Sent out
10/19/2023 – User Feedback Survey Reeived, Second Round of User Survey Prepared
10/26/2023 – Rapid Prototype Created
11/02/2023 – 3D Model Created and Refiend, Figma File Updated
11/09/2023 – Figma File Updated
11/16/2023 – 3D Model Printed, Acrylic Sheets Bought and Cut
11/30/2023 – Printed Parts Collected, Plysical Model Assembled, Figma File Updated
XX/XX/XX
<options to include in blog post:
- 1-minute video with captions
- ~200 words
- 2-3 images with alt text>
5 W’s Chart
Source: Velasco, Carlos and Marianna Obrist. Multisensory Experiences. 2020.
| Components | Questions and considerations |
| Background (Why) | According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention):
Mental and physical health are equally important components of overall health. Long-term depression could lead to other forms of physical health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. |
| Impressions (What) | An experience that will comfort the users through multiple sensory modalities including scent, music, and light. The experience will consists of both a physical and digital interface:
|
| Events (When) | The experience can take place when the users are feeling overwhelmed or if they wanted to relax. The following is a list that shows the experience from the user’s perspective:
|
| Sensory Elements (How) | We’ve selected scent, sound, and light as our sensory modalities. The experience will take place at home, specifically at the following locations:
|
| Designer/User (Who/Whom) | We are planning to design our interfaces for the following populations:
|
System Diagram
Sources
Adam P. Stern, MD, “Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): Hope for Stubborn Depression”, HARVARD HEALTH BLOG, Harvard Health Publishing, HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL, October 2020
Iden Wynn, “Why do scents, smells and fragrances affect your mood? An aromatherapist explains”, STYLIST, 2020
L.-B. Fan, J. A. Blumenthal, L. L. Watkins, A. Sherwood, “Work and home stress: associations with anxiety and depression symptoms”, Occupational Medicine, Volume 65, Issue 2, March 2015
Healthline, “Aromatherapy for Depression”, June 2016
Sabiniewicz, A., Hoffmann, L., Haehner, A. et al, “Symptoms of depression change with olfactory function”, Sci Rep 12, 5656, 2022
Kianpour, M., Mansouri, A., Mehrabi, T., & Asghari, G., “Effect of lavender scent inhalation on prevention of stress, anxietyand depression in the postpartum period”, March 2016