Listserv members,

One thing to bear in mind is whether your use of scents should be an 
"interactive" experience such as that described by Caitlyn and Jen, or a 
passive experience where the scent(s) are part of the exhibition 
environment. I've found that it is often much more effective to 
introduce scent(s) into an experience and allow the guest to "discover" 
them on their own. The magic of unexpectedly discovering the scent is 
much more memorable than being directed to lift a lid, push a button, 
etc. It is the ultimate interactive experience.

There are times where scent on demand is appropriate, for example when 
comparing scents or calling attention to specific attributes of a scent. 
However, for my two cents worth, if you are creating a scent as part of 
an environment it is better to introduce it naturally instead of by way 
of some device simply for the purpose of having another "interactive".

If you prefer not to introduce the scent(s) when their are no guests in 
the exhibition, simply utilize a motion detector to trigger the scent 
dispersal when a guest enters the space. Combined with a timer, this 
method can also prevent "over-introduction" of the scent during peak 
visitation.

Larry Fisher
Planner, Designer, Imagineer

On 4/11/2012 10:41 AM, Jennifer L. Hart wrote:
>
> Caitlyn,
>
> I've seen this done with an exhibit before and people really liked it! 
> It has to be something that is fairly distinct, so when you go to 
> smell it you know it. If it's a smell where the person is not sure 
> that it's working, then it kinda loses the fun. They used small scent 
> bottles that were housed in boxes with a lid over it; when you lifted 
> the lid you could smell what was inside.
>
> Good luck!
>
> Jen Hart
>
> *From:*Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] 
> *On Behalf Of *Caitlyn Perry Dial
> *Sent:* Wednesday, April 11, 2012 9:29 AM
> *To:* [log in to unmask]
> *Subject:* [MUSEUM-L] Creating a smell station for an exhibit
>
> Fellow listserv members,
>
> I am interested in creating a smell station for my museum's next 
> exhibit and I am wondering what your experiences are in creating them, 
> the costs, reactions to them from the public, or any related words of 
> advice for creating this type of interactive. Would the smells need to 
> be refreshed over time? This station would include smells relating the 
> kinds found in a Civil War camp and possibly a dry goods store from 
> the 1860s.
>
> Thank you in advance for your replies!
>
> Caitlyn
>
> -- 
>
> Caitlyn Perry Dial
> PhD Candidate
> Department of History
> Western Michigan University
> [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
>
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