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Olfactory Memories: Shaping our preferences
Leixuan Sheng
Recalling memories through a sense of smell is a unique phenomenon that influences all aspects of life. This thesis explores the biology and psychology of our olfactory sense, as well as the potential for design. My central interrogation is — how we might underscore this sensory experience to enhance the atmosphere of our interactions and experiences? By studying the principles and cultural history of scent and memory, and by extension the correlation between smell and visuals, this study explores how to expand the sensory experience of graphic design. Communications design has historically favored the image as a primarily visual craft. Smell is directly related to memory in the human brain. As storytellers, communication designers relate narratives that connect us to a time and place. The correlation between smell, visuals, and memory is the topic of this thesis and informs my capstone project. This study is an invitation to communication designers, artists and other cultural producers to consider the olfactory in their making.

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RISO motions
I filmed ten videos, each approximately 15 seconds long, with ten distinct videos devoted to the five elements (gold, wood, water, fire, and earth). They were then RISO printed, followed by the scanning of the prints and the creation of dynamic RISO GIFs.

Thesis book overview

Thesis book details

Thesis book details

Thesis book details

RISO Flipbooks details
I designed 10 flipbooks and 10 dynamic design pieces for each interviewee, using multiple presentations of book design and dynamic design. Involved was a small amount of scent design, combining scent with physical books.

RISO Flipbooks details
SCENT PORTRAIT
I named my project “Scent Portraits”. Regarding my theory on the relevance of olfactory memory to communication design, scent “composition” is a useful word. Like a musical chord resonating in the air until it fades away, scent evolves over time until it too fades, as does memory. Related to a chord, a scent consists of three harmonious "notes." The "top note" is the initial and most dominant impression of a fragrance, the "middle note" is the fragrance's body, and the "base note" lingers after the other notes have dissipated, giving the fragrance depth and substance.