Es·sence, Beyond the Visual Realm
Fragrance can play an important role in our daily lives, as it is capable of evoking memories and emotions and even influencing our behavior. The use of fragrances in aromatherapy and aromachology for therapeutic purposes is well established, but there is untapped potential in using aromas in design. As a designer with a love of fragrance and an interest in exploring methods of healing, I wanted to develop a tool to facilitate the process of creation. I identified three stages in the process: Exploring, Creating, and Unwinding. Exploring is used by designers to spark their imaginations. In the Creating stage, they bring their ideas to life. Unwinding is the process of relaxation at the end of a workday. Es·sence, Beyond the Visual Realm, is a collection of three fragrances, each of which is used at a different stage in the creative process. The first fragrance, Magnet, facilitates exploration. The second, Vision, aids designers in the process of creation. The third, Cocoon, produces a peaceful and comforting atmosphere that promotes relaxation at the end of the workday.