Research Project
Research Project
Research Project
How smells affect users’ perceived presence and emotions?
How smells affect users’ perceived presence and emotions?
How smells affect users’ perceived presence and emotions?
Postgraduate final research project on evaluating how relevant and irrelevant smells affect users' experience in the virtual world.


ROLE
ROLE
Project Lead
Project Lead
Project Lead
TIME
TIME
TIME
Mar 2024- Sep 2024
Mar 2024- Sep 2024
Mar 2024- Sep 2024
CATEGORY
CATEGORY
CATEGORY
Research Project
Research Project
Research Project
TOOLS
TOOLS
Figma
Figma
Figma
Blender
Blender
SPSS
SPSS
Blender
Blender
SPSS
SPSS
Frame VR
Frame VR
Meta
Meta
Frame VR
Frame VR
Meta Quest 2
Meta Quest 2
SKILLS
SKILLS
SKILLS
Research
Research
Research
Sensory Design
Sensory Design
Testing
Testing
Sensory Design
Sensory Design
Testing
Statistical Analysis
Statistical Analysis
Prototyping
Statistical Analysis
Statistical Analysis
Prototyping
Prototyping
Testing
Testing
Prototyping
Prototyping
Brief
Brief
Brief
This research aims to bridge that gap by exploring how congruent and non-congruent scents influence users' sense of presence and emotions in VR, and how these effects vary between novice and experienced users.
This research aims to bridge that gap by exploring how congruent and non-congruent scents influence users' sense of presence and emotions in VR, and how these effects vary between novice and experienced users.
This research aims to bridge that gap by exploring how congruent and non-congruent scents influence users' sense of presence and emotions in VR, and how these effects vary between novice and experienced users.
The goal is to optimise the use of olfactory cues in VR to enhance applications across healthcare, education, and entertainment sectors.
The goal is to optimise the use of olfactory cues in VR to enhance applications across healthcare, education, and entertainment sectors.
The goal is to optimise the use of olfactory cues in VR to enhance applications across healthcare, education, and entertainment sectors.
Objective
Objective
Objective
Enhance the multi-sensory experience in VR by integrating olfactory cues.
Improve user engagement and emotional resonance in VR applications.
Optimise VR environments for therapeutic outcomes, particularly in mental health.
Enhance the multi-sensory experience in VR by integrating olfactory cues.
Improve user engagement and emotional resonance in VR applications.
Optimise VR environments for therapeutic outcomes, particularly in mental health.
Enhance the multi-sensory experience in VR by integrating olfactory cues.
Improve user engagement and emotional resonance in VR applications.
Optimise VR environments for therapeutic outcomes, particularly in mental health.
Results
Results
Results
The study revealed that lavender (congruent scent) provided the most immersive and emotionally engaging experience, with participants reporting a stronger sense of presence and positive emotions. Coffee (non-congruent scent) sparked curiosity but also caused mild confusion, slightly reducing immersion. In contrast, the no-scent condition resulted in the lowest engagement and emotional connection, highlighting the importance of scent integration in enhancing virtual experiences.
The study revealed that lavender (congruent scent) provided the most immersive and emotionally engaging experience, with participants reporting a stronger sense of presence and positive emotions. Coffee (non-congruent scent) sparked curiosity but also caused mild confusion, slightly reducing immersion. In contrast, the no-scent condition resulted in the lowest engagement and emotional connection, highlighting the importance of scent integration in enhancing virtual experiences.
The study revealed that lavender (congruent scent) provided the most immersive and emotionally engaging experience, with participants reporting a stronger sense of presence and positive emotions. Coffee (non-congruent scent) sparked curiosity but also caused mild confusion, slightly reducing immersion. In contrast, the no-scent condition resulted in the lowest engagement and emotional connection, highlighting the importance of scent integration in enhancing virtual experiences.
Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS)
Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS)
Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS)
Average emotional scores
28/40
28/40
Lavender smells (congruent scent)
Lavender smells (congruent scent)
Lavender smells (congruent scent)
The most positive emotions
27/40
27/40
Coffee (non-congruent scent)
Coffee (non-congruent scent)
Coffee (non-congruent scent)
Triggered some positive feelings but added mild confusion
26/40
26/40
without any smell
The lowest emotional engagement
Process
Process
Process
01 Research & Analysis: Conducted a literature review to explore how congruent and non-congruent scents affect user immersion and emotions in VR. Identified key gaps related to the impact of scent on novice vs. experienced users.
01 Research & Analysis: Conducted a literature review to explore how congruent and non-congruent scents affect user immersion and emotions in VR. Identified key gaps related to the impact of scent on novice vs. experienced users.
01 Research & Analysis: Conducted a literature review to explore how congruent and non-congruent scents affect user immersion and emotions in VR. Identified key gaps related to the impact of scent on novice vs. experienced users.
02 Prototype Development: Designed a virtual forest with three scent conditions:
Congruent scent (lavender matching flowers)
Non-congruent scent (coffee mismatched with flowers)
Control condition (no scent)
02 Prototype Development: Designed a virtual forest with three scent conditions:
Congruent scent (lavender matching flowers)
Non-congruent scent (coffee mismatched with flowers)
Control condition (no scent)
02 Prototype Development: Designed a virtual forest with three scent conditions:
Congruent scent (lavender matching flowers)
Non-congruent scent (coffee mismatched with flowers)
Control condition (no scent)
03 Methodology: Participants: 25 users (novices and experienced)
Study Design: Within-subject, with 3-minute sessions per condition
Metrics: Presence Questionnaire (PQ) & PANAS
03 Methodology: Participants: 25 users (novices and experienced)
Study Design: Within-subject, with 3-minute sessions per condition
Metrics: Presence Questionnaire (PQ) & PANAS
03 Methodology: Participants: 25 users (novices and experienced)
Study Design: Within-subject, with 3-minute sessions per condition
Metrics: Presence Questionnaire (PQ) & PANAS
04 Testing & Iteration: Pilot testing prompted adjustments, including scent intensity and changing the task from finding a cabin to searching for flowers.
04 Testing & Iteration: Pilot testing prompted adjustments, including scent intensity and changing the task from finding a cabin to searching for flowers.
04 Testing & Iteration: Pilot testing prompted adjustments, including scent intensity and changing the task from finding a cabin to searching for flowers.
05 Key Insights:
Congruent scents boosted immersion and positive emotions.
Non-congruent scents triggered curiosity but disrupted immersion.
Novices were more open to sensory variation, while experienced users preferred congruent stimuli.
05 Key Insights:
Congruent scents boosted immersion and positive emotions.
Non-congruent scents triggered curiosity but disrupted immersion.
Novices were more open to sensory variation, while experienced users preferred congruent stimuli.
05 Key Insights:
Congruent scents boosted immersion and positive emotions.
Non-congruent scents triggered curiosity but disrupted immersion.
Novices were more open to sensory variation, while experienced users preferred congruent stimuli.
Research
Research
Research
Conducted a literature review on olfactory stimuli in VR, revealing that congruent scents enhance realism and immersion, while non-congruent scents can cause sensory conflicts, and identified a gap in understanding how scents impact novice versus experienced VR users.
Conducted a literature review on olfactory stimuli in VR, revealing that congruent scents enhance realism and immersion, while non-congruent scents can cause sensory conflicts, and identified a gap in understanding how scents impact novice versus experienced VR users.
Conducted a literature review on olfactory stimuli in VR, revealing that congruent scents enhance realism and immersion, while non-congruent scents can cause sensory conflicts, and identified a gap in understanding how scents impact novice versus experienced VR users.
Research Questions:
01 What is the effect of congruent and non-congruent smells on users' perceived presence in virtual reality environments?
01 What is the effect of congruent and non-congruent smells on users' perceived presence in virtual reality environments?
01 What is the effect of congruent and non-congruent smells on users' perceived presence in virtual reality environments?
02 What is the effect of congruent and non-congruent smells on users' emotional reactions in virtual reality environments?
02 What is the effect of congruent and non-congruent smells on users' emotional reactions in virtual reality environments?
02 What is the effect of congruent and non-congruent smells on users' emotional reactions in virtual reality environments?
03 What is the effect of level of experience with VR technology (novice versus experienced users) on the emotional reactions and perceived presence when exposed to congruent versus non-congruent smells?
03 What is the effect of level of experience with VR technology (novice versus experienced users) on the emotional reactions and perceived presence when exposed to congruent versus non-congruent smells?
03 What is the effect of level of experience with VR technology (novice versus experienced users) on the emotional reactions and perceived presence when exposed to congruent versus non-congruent smells?
Prototype Development
Prototype Development
Prototype Development
Define Phase
Define Phase
Define Phase
In this study, congruent scents refer to ambient and specified olfactory cues, while non-congruent scents do not align with the visual elements of the environment.
In this study, congruent scents refer to ambient and specified olfactory cues, while non-congruent scents do not align with the visual elements of the environment.
In this study, congruent scents refer to ambient and specified olfactory cues, while non-congruent scents do not align with the visual elements of the environment.
Ideate Phase
Ideate Phase
Ideate Phase
The mood board and task brainstorming were generated during this phase.
The mood board and task brainstorming were generated during this phase.
The mood board and task brainstorming were generated during this phase.
Low-fidelity Prototype
Low-fidelity Prototype
Low-fidelity Prototype
A card sorting technique was used to select forest elements and form the low-fidelity prototype before developing the high-fidelity prototype. The image above shows the initial storyboard.
A card sorting technique was used to select forest elements and form the low-fidelity prototype before developing the high-fidelity prototype. The image above shows the initial storyboard.
A card sorting technique was used to select forest elements and form the low-fidelity prototype before developing the high-fidelity prototype. The image above shows the initial storyboard.
Design Consideration
Design Consideration
Design Consideration
The chosen forest background aligns with research by Dozio et al. (2022), which indicates that less saturated colours are more soothing in virtual reality.
The chosen forest background aligns with research by Dozio et al. (2022), which indicates that less saturated colours are more soothing in virtual reality.
The chosen forest background aligns with research by Dozio et al. (2022), which indicates that less saturated colours are more soothing in virtual reality.
Methodology
Methodology
Methodology
Participants
Participants
Participants
25 individuals, split between novice and experienced VR users.
25 individuals, split between novice and experienced VR users.
25 individuals, split between novice and experienced VR users.
Study Design
Study Design
Study Design
A mixed-methods approach with a within-subject design, allowing participants to experience all three scent conditions.
A mixed-methods approach with a within-subject design, allowing participants to experience all three scent conditions.
A mixed-methods approach with a within-subject design, allowing participants to experience all three scent conditions.
Metrics Used
Metrics Used
Metrics Used
Presence Questionnaire (PQ) and PANAS to assess immersion and emotional responses.
Presence Questionnaire (PQ) and PANAS to assess immersion and emotional responses.
Presence Questionnaire (PQ) and PANAS to assess immersion and emotional responses.
Experimental Task
Experimental Task
Experimental Task
✅ Spend three minutes exploring the virtual forest and looking for flowers.
✅ Spend three minutes exploring the virtual forest and looking for flowers.
✅ Spend three minutes exploring the virtual forest and looking for flowers.
Testing Processure
Testing Processure



Equipments for Testing
Equipments for Testing
High-fidelity Prototype
High-fidelity Prototype
🌲 IMAGINE EXPLORING THE PROTOTYPE WITH VR HEADSET AND DIFFERENT SMELLS 👃🏼
🌲 IMAGINE EXPLORING THE PROTOTYPE WITH VR HEADSET AND DIFFERENT SMELLS 👃🏼
🌲 IMAGINE EXPLORING THE PROTOTYPE WITH VR HEADSET AND DIFFERENT SMELLS 👃🏼
Quantitative Results
Quantitative Results
Quantitative Results
Immersion Levels (PQ Scores)
Immersion Levels (PQ Scores)
Lavender scent: Provided the most immersive experience (4.4/5)
Coffee scent: Created moderate immersion but caused some confusion (4.2/5)
No scent: Resulted in the lowest immersion (4.1/5)
Lavender scent: Provided the most immersive experience (4.4/5)
Coffee scent: Created moderate immersion but caused some confusion (4.2/5)
No scent: Resulted in the lowest immersion (4.1/5)
Lavender scent: Provided the most immersive experience (4.4/5)
Coffee scent: Created moderate immersion but caused some confusion (4.2/5)
No scent: Resulted in the lowest immersion (4.1/5)
Positive Emotions (PANAS Positive Scores)
Positive Emotions (PANAS Positive Scores)
Positive Emotions (PANAS Positive Scores)
Lavender: Generated the strongest positive emotions (28.4/40)
Coffee: Triggered some positive feelings but with less engagement (27.4/40)
No scent: Produced the least positive emotions (26.2/40)
Lavender: Generated the strongest positive emotions (28.4/40)
Coffee: Triggered some positive feelings but with less engagement (27.4/40)
No scent: Produced the least positive emotions (26.2/40)
Lavender: Generated the strongest positive emotions (28.4/40)
Coffee: Triggered some positive feelings but with less engagement (27.4/40)
No scent: Produced the least positive emotions (26.2/40)
Negative Emotions (PANAS Negative Scores)
Negative Emotions (PANAS Negative Scores)
Negative Emotions (PANAS Negative Scores)
Lavender: Caused the least negative emotions (13.2/40)
Coffee: Increased negative emotions slightly (13.4/40)
No scent: Had the highest negative emotion scores (13.5/40)
Lavender: Caused the least negative emotions (13.2/40)
Coffee: Increased negative emotions slightly (13.4/40)
No scent: Had the highest negative emotion scores (13.5/40)
Lavender: Caused the least negative emotions (13.2/40)
Coffee: Increased negative emotions slightly (13.4/40)
No scent: Had the highest negative emotion scores (13.5/40)
Qualitative Results
Qualitative Results
Qualitative Results
Thematic Analysis
Thematic Analysis
Thematic Analysis
Thematic analysis organises and interprets qualitative data by identifying patterns, capturing the depth of participants' experiences for rich insights.
Thematic analysis organises and interprets qualitative data by identifying patterns, capturing the depth of participants' experiences for rich insights.
Thematic analysis organises and interprets qualitative data by identifying patterns, capturing the depth of participants' experiences for rich insights.
Key Insights
Key Insights
Key Insights
Deeper Immersion: Users felt more immersed when scents matched VR visuals and sounds.
VR Experience Impact: New users were more open and curious about mismatched scents than experienced users.
Deeper Immersion: Users felt more immersed when scents matched VR visuals and sounds.
VR Experience Impact: New users were more open and curious about mismatched scents than experienced users.
Deeper Immersion: Users felt more immersed when scents matched VR visuals and sounds.
VR Experience Impact: New users were more open and curious about mismatched scents than experienced users.
Quotes from Participants
Enjoyment and Comfort with Congruent Scents
Enjoyment and Comfort with Congruent Scents
Enjoyment and Comfort with Congruent Scents

“The pleasant scent boosted my mood and made me more focused on finding flowers.” – P9
“The pleasant scent boosted my mood and made me more focused on finding flowers.” – P9
“The pleasant scent boosted my mood and made me more focused on finding flowers.” – P9

“I could smell flowers and essential oils. It felt soothing and calm, like I was really in the forest.” – P11
“I could smell flowers and essential oils. It felt soothing and calm, like I was really in the forest.” – P11
“I could smell flowers and essential oils. It felt soothing and calm, like I was really in the forest.” – P11
Confusion and Distraction with Non-congruent Scents
Confusion and Distraction with Non-congruent Scents
Confusion and Distraction with Non-congruent Scents
“I smelled coffee but didn’t see anything related to coffee in the VR world, which confused me.” – P6
“I smelled coffee but didn’t see anything related to coffee in the VR world, which confused me.” – P6
“I smelled coffee but didn’t see anything related to coffee in the VR world, which confused me.” – P6

“The smell of coffee was strong and felt out of place, disrupting the immersive experience.” – P22
“The smell of coffee was strong and felt out of place, disrupting the immersive experience.” – P22
“The smell of coffee was strong and felt out of place, disrupting the immersive experience.” – P22

Different Reactions Between Novice and Experienced Users
Different Reactions Between Novice and Experienced Users
Different Reactions Between Novice and Experienced Users

“At first, I was curious about the world, but as I smelled something, my curiosity grew again.” – P5 (Novice)
“At first, I was curious about the world, but as I smelled something, my curiosity grew again.” – P5 (Novice)
“At first, I was curious about the world, but as I smelled something, my curiosity grew again.” – P5 (Novice)

“The excitement faded because I had explored the environment before. I expected to see different things.” – P12 (Experienced)
“The excitement faded because I had explored the environment before. I expected to see different things.” – P12 (Experienced)
“The excitement faded because I had explored the environment before. I expected to see different things.” – P12 (Experienced)
Reflection
Reflection
Reflection
This final research project wraps up a rewarding one-year Master’s, where I gained expertise in design research, usability testing, prototyping, AR/VR, and accessibility. It sharpened my decision-making as a UX researcher and designer, focusing on details and asking "why" throughout the process.
This final research project wraps up a rewarding one-year Master’s, where I gained expertise in design research, usability testing, prototyping, AR/VR, and accessibility. It sharpened my decision-making as a UX researcher and designer, focusing on details and asking "why" throughout the process.
This final research project wraps up a rewarding one-year Master’s, where I gained expertise in design research, usability testing, prototyping, AR/VR, and accessibility. It sharpened my decision-making as a UX researcher and designer, focusing on details and asking "why" throughout the process.
Key Takeaway
Key Takeaway
Key Takeaway
Research: Explored and refined ideas, enhancing recommendations.
Critical Thinking: Peer discussions improved my problem-solving.
Decision-Making: Strengthened research-backed design choices by focusing on the "why."
Iteration: Refined ideas at each stage, becoming more adaptable.
Mentorship: Guidance challenged my approach and led to well-researched outcomes.
Research: Explored and refined ideas, enhancing recommendations.
Critical Thinking: Peer discussions improved my problem-solving.
Decision-Making: Strengthened research-backed design choices by focusing on the "why."
Iteration: Refined ideas at each stage, becoming more adaptable.
Mentorship: Guidance challenged my approach and led to well-researched outcomes.
Back To Home
Built in Framer
•
Created by Wei Hsin 2024
Built in Framer
•
Created by Wei Hsin 2024
Built in Framer
•
Created by Wei Hsin 2024