ABSTRACT

 

Olfaction has been recognized as the strongest of the five human senses when it comes to nostalgia and memory recollection. This study focuses on creative experimentation through cross-modal arts and technology with a focus on visualizing scents to develop olfaction as a mode of communication. Smells are a complex and subjective sensory experience that is difficult to describe or communicate to others. And due to a lack of primary data, it’s difficult to verbalize memories experienced through scents. To study the nature of emotions triggered through different compositions of scents this is an attempt through primary research to understand the uniqueness and richness of emotions associated with nostalgic memories. Different natural fragrances around us were classified into six basic categories being - floral, oriental, woody, fresh, citrus and fruity. To draw the relation between smells and emotions a primary research experiment was conducted in a sample size of 35-40 participants. These experiences illustrate the unique power of scents, odours, smells or aromas as mnemonic cues that can revive, refresh, retrieve and recreate entire episodes of one’s life. Data were recorded and analyzed on a qualitative basis to identify any significant differences in emotional responses to the different fragrances. Considering the participants' gender, age, and other relevant factors in the analysis statistical analysis tools were used to identify any patterns or correlations between the fragrances and emotions. Observations formed a relationship between fragrances and emotions that helped us better understand the complex interplay between our sense of smell, our emotions, and our brain. This can have implications for fields such as psychology, tourism, branding, and other user experience-focused sectors exploring the mysteries of human consciousness and perception.