Essence : olfactory interfaces for unconscious influence of mood and cognitive performance
Name
964874607-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
16.2 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
35f505604ec2072e96510edc6c0feb99
Author(s)
Amores Fernandez, Judith
Advisor(s)
Pattie Maes.
Alternative Title
Olfactory interfaces for unconscious influence of mood and cognitive
Date Issued
2016
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
Our sense of smell is perhaps the most pervasive of all senses, as it has the ability to evoke memories and emotions in a vivid and subtle manner. While olfactory communication is one of the most basic methods of communication, it is also one of the least understood and one of the least exploited in human computer interaction. In this thesis we describe the hidden power of scent along with the design and implementation of "Essence", a custom made olfactory wearable device and its stationary version. Essence is a necklace that can be used by any person in their daily life for the purpose of altering one's mood, as well as affecting cognitive and psychological conditions. It can influence the user's behavior through consciously perceivable as well as subliminal bursts of scent released while the person is asleep or awake. The device can be remotely controlled through a smartphone and can vary the intensity and frequency of the released scent. The system can also potentially be triggered by physiological data such as brain signals, heart rate, or galvanic skin response, etc. The types of scent that can be placed in the necklace can range from essential oils to odorless scents like hormones and pheromones. We conducted a set of preliminary studies that show an overall satisfaction, comfort and ease of use of the system. We also demonstrate the effectiveness for mood enhancing and cognitive performance during wakefulness and sleep state.
Description
Thesis: S.M., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, School of Architecture and Planning, Program in Media Arts and Sciences, 2016.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 102-110).
Subjects
Program in Media Arts and Sciences ()
MIT Department
Program in Media Arts and Sciences (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
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