Smell Above All: Envisioning Smell-Centred Future Worlds

Ceylan Beşevli, Giada Brianza, Christopher Dawes, Nonna Shabanova, Sanjoli Mathur, Matthias Lechner, Emanuela Maggioni, Duncan Boak, Carl Philpott, Ava Fatah Gen Schieck, Marianna Obrist

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

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Abstract

Take a deep breath; what do you smell? While sight and hearing dominate our perceptions, the sense of smell is often overlooked, even undervalued. However, the importance of our sense of smell goes beyond detecting odours. It shapes our emotions, memories, behaviour, and quality of life. Recent advances in olfactory interfaces have sparked discussions about the future of smell in human-computer interaction. While efforts mainly focus on the realization of new olfactory interfaces, here we collectively explore alternative worlds centred around the sense of smell. First, we conducted a design futuring workshop involving individuals with varying smell capabilities and expertise to envision and discuss smell-centred futures. Then, through iterative reflection, we arrived at three smell worlds presented as narratives and visuals. From this conceptual work, we offer new perspectives and generative possibilities for design research that prioritizes our noses.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 2024 ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference, DIS 2024
EditorsAnna Vallgårda, Li Jönsson, Jonas Fritsch, Sarah Fdili Alaoui, Christopher A. Le Dantec
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery (ACM)
Pages2530-2544
Number of pages15
ISBN (Electronic)9798400705830
ISBN (Print)979-8-4007-0583-0
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jul 2024

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 2024 ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference, DIS 2024

Keywords

  • Design fction
  • Design futuring
  • Future Worlds
  • Narratives
  • Odour space
  • Odours design
  • Olfaction
  • Olfactory experiences
  • Smell
  • Speculative design

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