IFF Perfume Project : Xense

During my time at the Royal College of Art, I had the privilege of collaborating with International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. (IFF), a global leader in sensory innovation. Through a series of workshops and lectures focused on the sensory dimensions of smells, perfumes, and tastes, we explored the intricate process of designing flavors and fragrances and their deep connections to everyday life.

One particularly inspiring workshop involved an experiment that demonstrated how tactile experiences can influence taste perception. Participants touched two distinct textures—soft velvet and rough velcro—while drinking whiskey. When paired with velvet, the mellow sweetness of the whiskey was enhanced, creating a smooth and gentle sensation. Conversely, the roughness of velcro emphasized the whiskey’s sharp, biting characteristics, making the sensation feel almost prickly on the throat.

Inspired by this concept, I developed an innovative idea for a new way to apply perfume, integrating touch, scent, and user interaction. Drawing from the tactile motion introduced by smartphone technology—such as sliding fingers across screens—I proposed a perfume bottle design with multiple textures that reflect the character of the scent. Instead of the traditional push-button spray, users would slide the bottle to feel its textured surfaces, which would amplify the fragrance's sensory impact and provide a multi-sensory experience.

This project demonstrated the transformative potential of sensory-driven design, challenging conventional behaviors and elevating user engagement with everyday products to a deeper multi-sensory level. My presentation of this concept was recognized as one of the top 20 ideas in the department by a panel from IFF.