HAPPY PATCH was designed in response to a brief to create a product for someone that has lost their sense of smell. Initial research revealed that smell is an often overlooked sense in the field of design for impairment. Loss of the sense of smell, also known as Anosmia can lead to isolation, decreased perception of danger and depression.

A little known fact is the connection of smell and pheromones. Pheromones are secreted or excreted chemical factors that trigger a social response in members of the same species. Pheromones are a feel good hormone. People with anosmia may lose their ability to receive pheromones, thereby adversely affecting their connection with other humans.

HAPPY PATCH consists of a pheromone receptor and pump that are attached to the body using an adhesive patch. When the user is in the vicinity of pheromones, the receptor in the patch activates the pump to deliver a shot of pheromones into their body. Activating their pleasure centers and revitalizing their connections with others.

The project also raises questions about the ethics of this kind of intervention. While there are obvious benefits, there’s a distinct dystopian element to this ‘treatment’. Could this lead to ‘pheromone dependency’ or ‘pheromone addiction’? Is there such a thing as ‘too much’ of a good thing? Only time will tell.