Brief 5: UX OF disguise

Group 7: Anushka Motiani, Weiting Chi, Jolin Ma, Cristèle Sarić

Design a way to manipulate and deceive perceptual recognition.

Fig.1 Final prototype sticker

Research: finding out

A crucial part of our design process was to find a research point to focus our attention on as a team. Because disguise was the broadest brief we'd had so far, the team and I found it particularly challenging to hone in on one aspect of disguise. What I found useful across all projects which applied well in this brief too was to create a conceptual framework of research in what disguise meant to each of us, based on social, political, environmental and digital contexts (fig. 2 ).

Fig.2. Conceptual framework

« What I found useful across all projects which applied well in this brief was the ability to look at a broad spectrum of socio-political contexts» – Jolin.

Research: smell as camouflage

While we were brainstorming ideas around the concept of disguise, a common theme emerged around all our ideas, which was disguise as a tool for protection. Although this was a successful lead, we found that honing on a more specific topic was crucial to follow through with our project. We, therefore, focused our research on olfactory camouflage in animals and considered the possibilities of using smell as a tool for disguise.

Research: fine-tuning

In order to find out more on smell as camouflage in animals, we conducted some more in-depth research into the human olfactory system and whether humans can be naturally deterred by certain smells. Results of two experiments run by researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden indicate that the human avoidance response to unpleasant smells associated with danger is unconscious. So when we smell a bad smell, we subconsciously want to stay away. This study led us to look into what were the general possibilities of using smell as a way to protect and disguise from danger. We found that the most relevant aspect of this was looking into how animals use smell as a form of disguise and self protection from predators.

We found that certain insects like ladybugs and stink bugs use smell as a defensive reaction. However, the smell is only triggered when the insects are either squashed or touched.

As another example, we found it interesting that skunks and possums release a spray as a self-defense mechanism but only when in danger.

Lastly, we looked at the tamandua, whose defense mechanism contradicts the point of disguise because it uses its foul smell to be located by other animals to warn them to stay away.

Research: artefact analysis (fig.3)

As an already available means to experiment with smell as camouflage, we found that perfume was a way to camouflage one's own body odour. We, therefore, decided to create an activity in which we analysed each of our perfumes as part of our artefact analysis. We each choose one perfume and observed the shape, scents, where we used them, the ingredients and colours of the packaging. Each member's use of their perfumes varied every time, with the differentiator mainly being that half the team used them on a daily basis, while the other half used them for special occasions such as dates or events.

Fig.3,Experimenting

Fig.4. Experimenting

Fig.5 artefact analysis board

Fig.6 artefact analysis board

Research: Data physicalisation

After our activity, we decided to use them as part of our data physicalisation to get a clearer idea as to how and why we came up with the conclusions we did during our activity. We classified into 3 categories all of our perfumes, based on occasion, top note and heart note ingredients, and our own impressions of where these perfumes could be worn in a social context, their impression.

*1st category: * *Daily use * The perfumes stacked in the first column are classed within this column according to the ingredient we could first notice. Coincidentally, we found that floral perfumes were more likely to be worn for daily use. As we can see here we started with this first one at the bottom as the most floral one which we all agreed was the most likely to be worn casually. What we define as casual wear as part of the disguise of smell is a more natural way to hide our natural body odour On a regular basis. As if these perfumes were our natural everyday smell.

Fig.6 Data physicalisation

*2nd column: specific occasion *

The perfumes in the second column were categorised the same way. These contain Woodyer scents, mixed with either floral or fruity, and categorised starting from floral/ woody, woody, to woody and fruity at the top. We found that these perfumes were more ambiguous and would be worn to match a specific occasion, clothing, and professional environments.We found based on each one that the perfume enhanced a certain aspect of ourselves, or were worn with a specific item of clothing to change how we were perceived. *3rd column: romantic settings * Thé last column was classed the same way, from Wooster fruity scents to only fruit-based notes. We found that these perfumes were more likely to be worn on first dates, and in romantic settings. We reflected on what this meant in a romantic context, and perfume is one of the many ways in which we disguise our natural body odour to appear more attractive to a prospective partner. *Limitations/analysis* Because these are our own perfumes and because the data gathered contained primarily « feminine » perfumes, we found that based on each of our ownerships of these perfumes, we were more likely to own fruityer perfumes than any other kind.

Prototype 1 and development

At our interim presentation, we ended up experimenting with the masking smells of things we instantly shy away from, for example, a dustbin, and how this affected our perception of the item in question. Because we'd reached a creative block following the perfume-smelling activity, many questions were left unanswered. Our feedback encouraged us to keep digging for a more specific research question to do with the delicate topic of smell as camouflage for protection. ​​​​​​​

Final prototype series development

Because of how charged the topic of women's protection is, we decided to create a final product that would be a general safety item (series. Our final prototype became a collection of wearable scents aimed to protect ourselves in different situations. All of our prototypes were made out of water beads, infused with glue, vinegar, and garlic.

1st prototype is a wearable armband (yellow). We were inspired by ladybugs and stink bugs, as their deterrent smell is only activated when directly touched. The smell is activated when someone comes into contact with it and rubs it. We used garlic as a deterrent. One of the scenarios in which we considered this one to be useful would be when the user would want to avoid being touched in a public space.

2nd prototype is a sticker (pink) . We were inspired by the defense mechanism of skunks that we had researched previously. We used vinegar as a deterrent. The second prototype is only activated when pressed, acting like a deterring liquid. The scenario in which we considered this one toy to be useful would be during robberies or attacks where fast action is needed.

3rd prototype is attachable (blue). We were inspired by the tamandua, whose smell is a natural deterrent. You can attach it anywhere. The scenario where this would be particularly useful would be when walking alone at night and waiting to deter anyone from following you.

Fig.6,7,8. testing different recipients for the liquids and finalising on the final prototype (fig.8).

User testing & final reflections

During our interim and final user testing sessions, we found that our user's reactions to the smells greatly depended on the person. Some people were repulsed by our scented combinations while some enjoyed them. This led to a confusing turn out which in the future led us to perhaps fine-tune our research further into actual ingredients that would be full-proof to anyone.