Shiseido
Digital-physical fragrance prototyping for Shiseido
![bonsai tree and a mobile phone with an app next to it](https://ik.imagekit.io/lsturg/tr:n-hd/shirinbonsai.jpg)
Shiseido asked The Division for support introducing digital technology into their product development process. They had concepts but needed technical expertise and insight to translate their vision into a fully functioning experience. Inspired by the ancient Japanese practise of Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) they wanted to create a multi-sensory in-store and exhibition experience using auditory, visual, tactile and olfactory senses.
![A metal box with electronic circuits inside](https://ik.imagekit.io/lsturg/tr:n-hd/shideido-case.jpg)
I created a custom water vaporising unit that would sit beneath a product display. Using NFC and wireless technologies I developed a prototype that triggered the dispersal of a fragrance when different objects were touched and manipulated, as well as a backup interface for a mobile phone for “wizard-of-oz” style demonstrations. This gave the client piece of mind, that even if some part of the tech demo failed, they could use their phone as a fallback. The final deliverable was a kit sent to the client in Paris and Tokyo that could be easily set up by their design team on-site, filled with any fragrience and connected to a large display and audio system.