Øthers

The Challenge

ØTHERS, a challenger wellness brand, wanted to test the impact of their dual sensory
product—a combination of functional fragrance and soundscapes—on mental wellness. Their
goal was to understand the effects of these interventions on emotional resilience and the brain’s
reward system. ØTHERS aimed to design content that not only stimulated the mind but also
promoted emotional well-being. They partnered with us to evaluate how scent and sound can
influence mood and cognitive performance while providing valuable insights to improve their
offerings..

The Study

In collaboration with ØTHERS, we designed a study to measure the psychological and
physiological effects of two distinct scent and sound combinations. Participants were exposed to
two different scents—one intended to increase arousal and focus, and the other aimed at
relaxation. The study involved monitoring EEG brain activity, heart rate, and respiration,
alongside self-reported feelings of focus, relaxation, and mood changes. Each scent was paired
with a bespoke soundscape, and the study measured the changes in mental and physical states
in real-time. The objective was to quantify the effects of each combination on both the brain and
the body to inform the brand’s future development.

The Outcome

The study yielded valuable results that confirmed the effectiveness of ØTHERS; dual sensory
intervention in promoting emotional well-being:

• Relaxing Scent (RS): This scent and its paired soundtrack successfully invigorated the
  mind and body, increasing attention and focus. EEG data showed heightened beta
  activity, indicating mental alertness. Physiologically, participants experienced an
  increase in heart rate and arousal biomarkers, suggesting sensory engagement and
  readiness to act.
• Uplifting Scent (MZ): This scent and its corresponding soundtrack led to a dual state of
  mental relaxation and focus. EEG data showed an increase in alpha activity, which is
  associated with relaxation. Heart rate and breathing biomarkers showed a decrease in
  arousal and an increase in heart rate variability (HRV), confirming the relaxation effect
  on the body.

Self-reported questionnaires indicated that 81% of participants found the relaxing scent effective
in promoting relaxation, while 90% reported a mood change when the scent was combined with
music, underscoring the synergistic effect of scent and sound in emotional regulation.