Smell and Positive Response (02-09-10)

Researchers from the Netherlands have advanced scent-related research dramatically over the last several years.  In this latest effort, Ludden and Schifferstein had study participants evaluate both scented and unscented products.  Objects that are normally scented and unscented were paired with congruous or incongruous odors such as lemon, chocolate, lavender, wood, green leaf, and honey.  They determined that “All scented products were found to be surprising, and were evaluated moderately positively.”  Their findings reinforce the importance of multi-sensory design.

Geke Ludden and Hendrik Schifferstein.  2009.  “Should Mary Smell Like Biscuit?  Investigating Scents in Product Design.” International Journal of Design, vol. 3, no. 3, pp 1-12, http://www.ijdesign.org.