Smell The Colour Of The Rainbow: Sensory Systems For Wearable Product Technologies To Reduce Stress And Sleep Disorders
Lead Research Organisation:
University of the Arts London
Department Name: Central Saint Martin's College
Abstract
The aim of this Knowledge Transfer Fellowship (KTF) is to improve on the design of the eScent technology Dr Jenny Tillotson developed in collaboration with Professor Andreas Manz (funded by an AHRC Innovation Award), for the benefit of the fashion, health, fitness and the ecological consumer market, through collaboration with Philips. eScent is an example of a design led wearable wireless technology: a user-worn controlled delivery device, capable of dispensing sensory effects in response to a stimulus (i.e. timer, biometric sensor or switch). The invention is of interest to a broad community and Philips because it offers 'controllable fragrance or actives release and targeted delivery' for psychological end benefit relating to Health, Wellbeing and Lifestyle.
eScent is a device that is triggered by an electrical signal through a built-in microfluidic micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) device, which can be embedded in 'smart' textiles, clothes and jewellery. It is a patented sensory system of precisely metered fragrance delivery and release, with the potential to replace less controlled technology of the past (i.e. the traditional perfume bottle). It has demonstrated the capability to deliver minute doses of fragrances on demand, in response to user driven stimuli, creating a personal 'scent bubble' around the end user.
eScent has also been developed as a therapeutic version, using multiple reservoirs for the dispensation of aromatherapy, for stress and anxiety reduction, and could potentially be used to complement orthodox routes to treatment. This is due to the new science of fragrance called 'Aromachology' which proves that certain fragrances have the ability to reduce performance related stress, as measured physiologically, for example:-
- lavender to relax, improve the 'sleep-wake cycle' and promote sleep
- neroli to reduce anxiety and depression by offering an antidepressant effect to promote a positive mood
- lemon to stimulate the brain.
With Philips as the non academic partner, the KTF aims to achieve outputs which generate new wearable scent platforms to commercialise eScent, by exploiting appropriate lifestyle products in conjunction with digital and emerging technologies and the ancient art of perfumery. Examples of businesses which would benefit from an application of eScent include fragrances in conjunction with SAD lamps (for the benefit of Seasonal Affective Disorder sufferers), or Mother and Childcare products (to promote 'calmness' in a new born baby, reduce post natal depression in the mother and reduce overall malodour).
Over twelve months, Dr Tillotson will transfer the knowledge from the eScent project to Philips, in order to create advanced prototypes in wearable, functional products at Central Saint Martins (CSM), supported by the Royal College of Art (RCA). The products will be designed specifically for Philips businesses and include 'responsive jewellery'/innovative product forms which display a 'spectrum of fragrances', such as a tranquilising lavender aroma/purple colour effect, or confidence boosting neroli aroma/orange colour effect, depending on the degree of olfactory and visual intensity.
As the Knowledge Transfer Fellow, with a track record in creating 'wellness' design-led wearable technologies, Dr Tillotson will witness a long line of research being commercialised through a major international consumer electronics company. She will achieve this through support from Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge and a global authority on 'Aromachology'. In the longer term, the KTF will develop into a compelling fragrance product which will benefit the NHS and metal health community.
Philips will have the opportunity to collaborate on an exciting new interdisciplinary project with Central Saint Martins and the Royal College of Art. In return, staff and students will benefit from seminars by Philips Research and/or Philips Design.
eScent is a device that is triggered by an electrical signal through a built-in microfluidic micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) device, which can be embedded in 'smart' textiles, clothes and jewellery. It is a patented sensory system of precisely metered fragrance delivery and release, with the potential to replace less controlled technology of the past (i.e. the traditional perfume bottle). It has demonstrated the capability to deliver minute doses of fragrances on demand, in response to user driven stimuli, creating a personal 'scent bubble' around the end user.
eScent has also been developed as a therapeutic version, using multiple reservoirs for the dispensation of aromatherapy, for stress and anxiety reduction, and could potentially be used to complement orthodox routes to treatment. This is due to the new science of fragrance called 'Aromachology' which proves that certain fragrances have the ability to reduce performance related stress, as measured physiologically, for example:-
- lavender to relax, improve the 'sleep-wake cycle' and promote sleep
- neroli to reduce anxiety and depression by offering an antidepressant effect to promote a positive mood
- lemon to stimulate the brain.
With Philips as the non academic partner, the KTF aims to achieve outputs which generate new wearable scent platforms to commercialise eScent, by exploiting appropriate lifestyle products in conjunction with digital and emerging technologies and the ancient art of perfumery. Examples of businesses which would benefit from an application of eScent include fragrances in conjunction with SAD lamps (for the benefit of Seasonal Affective Disorder sufferers), or Mother and Childcare products (to promote 'calmness' in a new born baby, reduce post natal depression in the mother and reduce overall malodour).
Over twelve months, Dr Tillotson will transfer the knowledge from the eScent project to Philips, in order to create advanced prototypes in wearable, functional products at Central Saint Martins (CSM), supported by the Royal College of Art (RCA). The products will be designed specifically for Philips businesses and include 'responsive jewellery'/innovative product forms which display a 'spectrum of fragrances', such as a tranquilising lavender aroma/purple colour effect, or confidence boosting neroli aroma/orange colour effect, depending on the degree of olfactory and visual intensity.
As the Knowledge Transfer Fellow, with a track record in creating 'wellness' design-led wearable technologies, Dr Tillotson will witness a long line of research being commercialised through a major international consumer electronics company. She will achieve this through support from Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge and a global authority on 'Aromachology'. In the longer term, the KTF will develop into a compelling fragrance product which will benefit the NHS and metal health community.
Philips will have the opportunity to collaborate on an exciting new interdisciplinary project with Central Saint Martins and the Royal College of Art. In return, staff and students will benefit from seminars by Philips Research and/or Philips Design.
Planned Impact
The unique value of this project is the considerable potential for impact that computerised scent-output brings to a general audience and the fashion, health, fitness and the ecological consumer market, through the initial benefits for Philips.
In the longer term potential beneficiaries would be:-
a) Selfridges & Co department store, Contemporary Cosmetics, Lifestyle, Living Beauty and Wellbeing
b) Samsung Mobile Technologies 'aroma phones'
c) Fragrance industry, especially Givaudan, International Flavours & Fragrances, Firmenich, COTY, Procter & Gamble Prestige Products, Unilever
d) Mental health Charities (MIND, SANE, MDF Bipolar Organisation)
e) NHS, especially Addenbrookes Hospital (i.e. Well-Being Institute, Psychiatry dept, cancer care unit)
f) Institute of Psychiatry, London
They will benefit in the following ways:
a) From a future pipeline for production commercialisation in both 'wellness'' and designer fine fragrance products. Exclusively launch and sell wellbeing/aromatherapy products. Working with range of researchers and commercial producer/company such as Philips.
c) Unconventional approaches in the application and use of fragrances and sensory ingredients New distribution methods including removal of solvent (ethanol) usage etc
d) Developing new psychological therapies for mental health service users
e) Mother and baby - help resolve insomnia in mothers and babies, reduce post-natal depression. Sleep Disorder - enhancement of SAD lamps. Bipolar affective disorder - reduce stress and SAD
f) New psychological therapies for testing /evaluation in clinical surroundings
What will be done to ensure that they benefit
a) Major London store shows keen interest to launch eScent exclusively based on
Sensory Design & Technology (SD&T) providing a compelling fragrance product.
http://www.selfridges.co.uk
c) Dr Tillotson maintains regular contact with the Fragrance Industry in France, UK, Switzerland and USA. Provision of samples and demonstration visits will allow the industry to evaluate the benefits of the technology.
d) and e) Trialling of fragrance technology to yield quantitative data on wellbeing will be available to NHS Products
In the short term during this stage of development and investigation and will directly benefit:-
Philips Research Laboratory, Cambridge and Philips Design, Eindhoven
How will Philips Benefit
1.Feedback factors in designing successful new products and solutions utilising the powerful impact of smell and scent on health and wellbeing
2.Prototypes that will lead to production of new commercially viable products
3.New concepts based on smell/olfaction science i.e. controllable fragrance or actives release and targeted delivery; Prototypes on how to do this, which are commercially viable
What will be done to ensure that Philips benefit
Dr Tillotson will be offered sufficient working space at Philips Research in Cambridge to ensure communication and engagement plans succeed throughout the duration of the project. In return, Philips Research will have regular meetings with CSM and RCA in Cambridge/London. A further meeting will be arranged in Eindhoven with Philips Design http://www.design.philips.com
Plans for exploitation through Sensory Design & Technology Ltd are currently underway
IP issues have been addressed to ensure that the research is protected and collaboration arrangements and are in place between Philips, CSM, RCA, and SD&T.
Relevant experience and track record is evident in the CV of both investigators for the KTF (CSM and RCA), who between them have experience in:
- 'Wellness'/healthcare products for lifestyle, fashion etc
- Fashion/Product Design Industry
- Design Led Wearable Technologies, sensor networks
- Bio/active/responsive materials/nanotechnology
- Controlled/targeted release delivery systems
- Me
In the longer term potential beneficiaries would be:-
a) Selfridges & Co department store, Contemporary Cosmetics, Lifestyle, Living Beauty and Wellbeing
b) Samsung Mobile Technologies 'aroma phones'
c) Fragrance industry, especially Givaudan, International Flavours & Fragrances, Firmenich, COTY, Procter & Gamble Prestige Products, Unilever
d) Mental health Charities (MIND, SANE, MDF Bipolar Organisation)
e) NHS, especially Addenbrookes Hospital (i.e. Well-Being Institute, Psychiatry dept, cancer care unit)
f) Institute of Psychiatry, London
They will benefit in the following ways:
a) From a future pipeline for production commercialisation in both 'wellness'' and designer fine fragrance products. Exclusively launch and sell wellbeing/aromatherapy products. Working with range of researchers and commercial producer/company such as Philips.
c) Unconventional approaches in the application and use of fragrances and sensory ingredients New distribution methods including removal of solvent (ethanol) usage etc
d) Developing new psychological therapies for mental health service users
e) Mother and baby - help resolve insomnia in mothers and babies, reduce post-natal depression. Sleep Disorder - enhancement of SAD lamps. Bipolar affective disorder - reduce stress and SAD
f) New psychological therapies for testing /evaluation in clinical surroundings
What will be done to ensure that they benefit
a) Major London store shows keen interest to launch eScent exclusively based on
Sensory Design & Technology (SD&T) providing a compelling fragrance product.
http://www.selfridges.co.uk
c) Dr Tillotson maintains regular contact with the Fragrance Industry in France, UK, Switzerland and USA. Provision of samples and demonstration visits will allow the industry to evaluate the benefits of the technology.
d) and e) Trialling of fragrance technology to yield quantitative data on wellbeing will be available to NHS Products
In the short term during this stage of development and investigation and will directly benefit:-
Philips Research Laboratory, Cambridge and Philips Design, Eindhoven
How will Philips Benefit
1.Feedback factors in designing successful new products and solutions utilising the powerful impact of smell and scent on health and wellbeing
2.Prototypes that will lead to production of new commercially viable products
3.New concepts based on smell/olfaction science i.e. controllable fragrance or actives release and targeted delivery; Prototypes on how to do this, which are commercially viable
What will be done to ensure that Philips benefit
Dr Tillotson will be offered sufficient working space at Philips Research in Cambridge to ensure communication and engagement plans succeed throughout the duration of the project. In return, Philips Research will have regular meetings with CSM and RCA in Cambridge/London. A further meeting will be arranged in Eindhoven with Philips Design http://www.design.philips.com
Plans for exploitation through Sensory Design & Technology Ltd are currently underway
IP issues have been addressed to ensure that the research is protected and collaboration arrangements and are in place between Philips, CSM, RCA, and SD&T.
Relevant experience and track record is evident in the CV of both investigators for the KTF (CSM and RCA), who between them have experience in:
- 'Wellness'/healthcare products for lifestyle, fashion etc
- Fashion/Product Design Industry
- Design Led Wearable Technologies, sensor networks
- Bio/active/responsive materials/nanotechnology
- Controlled/targeted release delivery systems
- Me
Publications
Tillotson J.R
(2012)
This Pervasive Day: The Potential and Perils of Pervasive Computing
Jennifer Tillotson
(2013)
Futurescan 2: Collective Voices
Tillotson J
(2017)
Emotionally Responsive Wearable Technology and Stress Detection for Affective Disorders.
in Psychiatria Danubina
| Description | Over the course of eighteen months, the team engaged in an active KT programme to explore opportunities resulting from Dr Tillotsons's patented work on 'eScent®' in areas of interest to Philips. The aim of the fellowship was to: • advance ways of improving the quality of care; to reduce stress and improve sleep, using fragrances in wearable technologies. • demonstrate the effectiveness of working prototypes that react to physiological response of the wearer (e.g. to reflect mood). Significant knowledge transfer took place during the KTF benefiting Philips and Dr Tillotson. The identified application has primarily been within 'Philips AVENT' (mother/child) and 'Vitalite' stress/sleep businesses (therapy/ 'mood' lamps). The findings center on essential oils as the basis for wearable technologies using joint expertise in design, fragrance, colour and technology. These elements were introduced into the world of health and wellbeing, using mood-enhancement as the route. Oils were validated and correlated with colour, to create a personalized 'therapeutic rainbow' pendulum, ranging across de-stress/relief-calm/peaceful/relax-super-energise. A deep understanding of the therapeutic nature of the oils in terms of physiological and psychological effects on the body were found and demonstrated in prototypes. Clinical evidence on the properties of lavender and sweet orange were critically reviewed and scientific data was extracted in support of the value of essential oils to alleviate stress, aid sleep and improve memory. Medics volunteered to trial eScent® prototypes although this did not take place during the KTF. NHS midwives are campaigning for clinical trials to endorse the therapeutic effects of essential oils. The KTF found that eScent® could potentially save on drug bills. The KTF demonstrated that pre-existing manufactured methods can be used to generate a macro-fluidic platform for the facile dispersal of scent using heat. The technology comprised of a circular MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical-system), heater and piezo-electric pump, delivering a controllable and measurable, olfactively perceptible dose of lavender and orange oil vapour from 'pod' cartridges. The prototype dimensions are too large for jewellery but feasible for a bedside application. The aesthetic design attribute of the liquid in the MEMS is a notable key finding. A miniaturized 'gen 2' version was explored but results relating to this did not materialize before the project ended. However, these findings pave the way for research and development on miniaturisation, appropriate materials for storing multiple oils for long-term, intensity, and sensing ability to trigger physiological and psychological responses in the user. The KTF found that recent regulations in the Far East have highlighted safety issues for shipping liquid electronic consumer products, with a preference for solid-scent delivery to prevent spillage, over-heating and cross-contamination. Multiple attempts to commercialise electronic scent systems have failed because liquids are incompatible with electronic bases. The findings will contribute towards future development of eScent®. The eScent® patent was assigned to Sensory Design & Technology creating a University spinout company, however further technological work is required before launching products at Selfridges. At a time when the fragrance industry is facing new challenges, IFRA endorse eScent® as "a new product that sends out a very positive message to the fragrance industry". |
| Exploitation Route | Due to the nature of the project e.g. KTF, it has a great deal of relevance in a non-academic context. There is a wide range of opportunities in the healthcare sector and current markets which are increasingly becoming ready for an additional (scent) dimension to the existing user experience. Philips has enabled Dr Tillotson to hold meetings with relevant parties in the UK and the Netherlands, including Philips Research, Philips Design, trend forecasting and Philips Consumer Lifestyle. Concepts were developed around Mother/Childcare. In the medical field, eScent® (electronic-scent) has been acknowledged as an innovative tool to dispense aromatherapy effects and benefit Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). Further interest has been expressed by NHS cancer-care, maternity, psychiatry, dementia and pain relief. In the mental health community, eScent® has been identified as a potential tool to reduce stress and manage lifestyle for mood disorders. This could be used in addition to 'self-tracking' tools pioneered by 'Quantified Self' monitoring originating in Silicon Valley in 2007, and as a cybertherapy tool to complement online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy treatments. eScent® provides manufacturers with an opportunity to reshape scent-delivery modes within the fragrance industry and enter new markets where fragrance has previously had limited success. Today's consumer technology and fashion reaches out to visual, auditory, or kinaesthetic senses to enhance users' experiences; however, due to technological constraints, there has only been limited use of scents to enhance a user's olfactory experience. eScent® fills this gap and unites aroma, technology, wellbeing and fashion. The fashion and fragrance sectors are particularly attractive markets to promote the innovation. The luxury accessories market is growing, and innovative ideas which seek to create a unique style and image are constantly being introduced. eScent® has attracted the attention of Colette, the Parisian IT/concept store; Richemont, the global prestigious luxury group (Cartier, Dunhill, Chloé) and VF Corp, a leader in lifestyle and outdoor apparel (The North Face, Eastpak, Wrangler). The KTF has found a demand for alternative safe, delivery modes that use fragrances strategically and sustainably. This is because: (1) the trend is towards alcohol-free fragrances and natural products due to the presence of harmful substances in perfumery (2) the consumer's need is for a 'wardrobe of mood-enhancing fragrances', as the demand for quality essential oils increases. (3) of the declining use of fragrances amongst the younger population, although electronic scent gadgetry is expected to attract younger consumers There is also a growing market for adding scent as a 4th dimension within game consoles, e-books, tablets and mobile phones. Other electronic scent applications include e-menus, toys, pet-care collars and car interiors. Currently there is a shortage of quality car fragrances; eScent® represents an innovative approach to transforming this application. There has been strong support for eScent® as a sampling vehicle as more companies are recognizing the value of scents and their marketing. By stimulating the sense of smell, a memorable identity is created that resonates with customers. eScent®, through its unique set of attributes, offers a significant advantage over existing techniques (scent strips, scratch-n'-sniff, HVAC- diffusers). |
| Sectors | Chemicals,Communities and Social Services/Policy,Creative Economy,Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Electronics,Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology,Retail,Other |
| URL | https://ahrc.ukri.org/research/readwatchlisten/features/the-scent-of-things-to-come/ |
| Description | To prepare for next research projects in the mental health sector To partner with the NHS on a new adaptive "closed-loop" scent system |
| Sector | Creative Economy,Healthcare |
| Impact Types | Cultural,Societal |
| Description | eScent mask for personal protective assurance: a human-centred approach to PPE in the post COVID-19 world |
| Amount | £174,942 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 76130 |
| Organisation | Innovate UK |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2020 |
| End | 07/2021 |
| Title | A system and method for dispensing fluid in response to a sensed property |
| Description | The present invention relates to a wearable system and method for dispensing fluid in response to a sensed property, such as a biometric property of an individual or various sounds. Details methods to dispense liquids around fabrics and other wearable items (jewellery) |
| IP Reference | CN101155510 |
| Protection | Patent granted |
| Year Protection Granted | 2008 |
| Licensed | No |
| Impact | This granted patent is part of Sensory Design & Technology's patent portfolio and will be exploited by the company in due course |
| Title | eScent smart mask |
| Description | Dr Tillotson has completed a concept project to develop a re-usable, enhanced FFP3 facemask that offers "personalised protection assurance" via a patented self-administered scent delivery system to help reduce mental distress. A UK patent application was filed in July 2021. Her transformative tech company (Sensory Design & Technology Ltd) - which was funded by a £175,000 Innovate UK Sustainable Innovation Fund Award in 2020 - is leading a new category in the digital olfaction domain: wearable platform technology with the ability to create individual transformative wellbeing experiences through the development of a novel liquid dispense system. This project builds on her KT Fellowship with Philips Research. According to the mental health charity, MIND, one in four people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England, while one in six will experience a common mental health problem such as anxiety and depression in any given week. Following the pandemic, rates of addiction and suicide are at an all-time high, and loneliness has reached epidemic proportions. According to the World Health Organisation, an estimated 500 million people globally suffer from anxiety and depression. The wearing of facemasks certainly hasn't helped the situation. As many of us experienced first-hand during lockdown restrictions, facemasks are uncomfortable to wear. They retain moisture, irritate the skin and create psychological barriers, as well as triggering panic and breathing problems. As the pandemic progressed, this had a negative psychological impact on NHS workers especially, with many experiencing PTSD, anxiety, depression, and burn-out. According to a BMA Survey of 7000 doctors during the pandemic, 44% of doctors said that they were suffering from depression, anxiety/stress, or other mental health condition made worse by their work. On top of this, the use of one-time-use PPE is devastating ecosystems and polluting oceans. Approximately 129 billion disposable masks, mostly made from plastic microfibres, and 65 billion disposable gloves have been used every month during the pandemic, according to a study in the journal Environmental Science and Technology. This collective anxiety, combined with growing environmental emergencies, provides opportunities to build a more nurturing society with global consciousness. To that end, eScent partnered with The Imagination Factory and Anchored-IN to develop a re-usable enhanced FFP3 facemask which offers "personal protective assurance" - that is, a personalized and renewable scent system as a self-delivered biofeedback intervention for mental distress. Protected by several awarded and pending patents originated from her AHRC funded projects at Central Saint Martins, eScent is a product concept that integrates hardware, software, and a subscription-based fragrance service as a catalyst to improve health, emotional wellbeing, and performance. Dr Jenny Tillotson is on a mission to help humanity recover from the pandemic and to reconnect with our most primitive of senses - our sense of smell. eScent can be integrated into multiple different form factors, leading to many uses and benefits. This is just the start of what is going to be a very exciting 18 months as we miniaturise the delivery system and look forward to building partnerships in a variety of markets including the wellbeing, fashiontech, protection, entertainment, and psychedelic medicine sectors. COVID continues to be a problem, despite vaccination. Masks do reduce viral transmission. PPE is more effective than other masks but is still only 98% protective when worn and of course, provides no protection when not worn. FFP3 masks are even more effective than surgical masks. Outside its host cells, SARS-CoV2 is more vulnerable, even to substances (virus blockers) harmless to man, such as fucoidan (brown seaweed which is "anti-flu" and an anti inflammatory), carrageenan (red seaweed clinically proven to protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection in health care personnel treated with an iota-carrageenan nasal spray), liquorice and menthol. eScent could therefore change the face of FFP3 masks and the utility of natural virus blocking properties in real-life scenarios. eScent is a wearable nebuliser that offers "personal protection assurance" via a patented liquid delivery system to help combat viruses. Further work is needed to assess the effectiveness or otherwise of viral attachment inhibitors in vitro, then in vivo. |
| Type | Therapeutic Intervention - Complementary |
| Current Stage Of Development | Initial development |
| Year Development Stage Completed | 2021 |
| Development Status | Actively seeking support |
| Impact | Interest in the eScent from mask manufacturers and the international algae community. Interest from the NHS (ENT, neuroscience, psychology, oncology, wellbeing, Complementary Health, Digital Health) Dr Tillotson is working with ENT/Allergy advisors Dr Glenis Scadding (Royal ENT Hospital / UCLH) and Prof Pete Smith (Queensland Allergy Service, Australia) to look at how we can enhance the protection of NHS staff. Dr Tillotson is exploring a combination approach: the use of an FFP3 mask plus automated intermittent use (via eScent) of a nasal virus blocker spray at donning and doffing (for example, algae nasal spray). This would provide continued protection during staff meal breaks, should stop virus colonisation of the nasal passages, and reduce viral transmission to others. In addition, the mask is reusable, reducing the vast amounts of waste currently being generated which is devastating ecosystems and polluting oceans. eScent could change the face of FFP3 masks and the utility of natural virus blocking properties in real-life scenarios. Protected by six patents and funded by an InnovateUK "Sustainable Innovation Fund" Award, eScent is a wearable nebuliser that offers "personal protection assurance" via a patented liquid delivery system to help combat viruses. Further work is needed to assess the effectiveness or otherwise of viral attachment inhibitors in vitro, then in vivo. Currently licensing the technology to a mask manufacturer (supplier to the NHS) A UK patent application was filed in July 2021. |
| URL | https://vimeo.com/618962103 |