Searching nose

While riding my bike recently, I passed by a garden filled with blooming jasmine flowers. The sweet fragrance that filled the air instantly lifted my mood. It was a brief moment, lasting only a few seconds, but it was enough to make me feel good. 

I’ve noticed that these little encounters with pleasant smells happen often in my life. Whether it's the mouthwatering aroma from a food stall, the distinct smell of petrol at fueling station, or the scent of crisp new paper money, I find that pleasant scents have a powerful ability to boost my spirits.

Several years ago, Google pulled an April Fool’s prank called “Google Nose,” where they claimed users could search for smells through the internet. While it was just a joke, it got me thinking—what if we really could experience scents through technology? Imagine how it could change the way we interact with the world. The power of scent is incredibly effective at reducing stress and lifting our mood, yet we often overlook it.

In today’s world, we’re constantly surrounded by visual and sound stimuli, but the sense of smell plays a more subtle role. If smell-based technology became a reality, it could open up new ways for us to engage with our surroundings. I can already picture a restaurant with a food delivery service that lets you smell the food before ordering. The possibilities are exciting, and it reminds us how much of an impact a simple scent can have on our emotions and overall well-being.