Senseploitation is an emerging trend that describes the augmentation and exploitation of human senses, faculties, and the body to mediate and optimize interactions with people, places, and things

Yesterday we received most information via sight and sound. Tomorrow all five of our senses will be engaged to optimize our ability to process information. Every day objects like shoes, jewelry, clothing, appliances and home furnishings will be embedded with technologies that mediate the information flow. Developments in olfaction, materials science, and haptics are enabling the exploitation of our senses.

Senseploitation exists now and exotic applications aren’t far away. Hotels have exploited our sense of smell since 1991 imbuing common areas with signature scents, one element of sensory branding. Now sensory branding is used in corporate headquarters such as Samsung; upscale retailers like Coach; and entertainment venues like the Cirque du Soleil Theater at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.

The IPod is a perfect example of senseploitation. Think about it, the IPod fits in our hands so nicely, it feels good, and the click wheel navigation interface is particularly sensual. Many consumer goods are coated with polymers that make them feel warm to the touch and pleasant to grip. Computer maker Acer coats its special edition Ferrari 4000 laptop with a sexy soft touch coating.

Projects like Tap Tap, for the Tangible Media class at MIT Media Lab give us an idea of what the future will bring. Tap Tap looks like a regular scarf, but it is embedded with haptic modules that deliver an ?affectionate touch?. The scarf’s haptic devices record and play back the touch that is most meaningful to each user. Another example is the smart second skin dress that mimics the human circulatory system and delivers scents designed to calm the wearer.

Industries from apparel to food to travel use sensory enhancing technologies to enhance your experience with their brand; most will not discuss how they’re used for competitive reasons. Yankee Candle is an exception; in 2004 they began using scented ink in their catalogs and report the scented-ink catalogs contributed to a sales increase of more than 20 percent.

Senseploitation Watch

The Hug Shirt

ScentSational Technologies

Aroma Water

Scented Running Top

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