Exploring the Need of Assistive Technologies for
People with Olfactory Disorders
Palavi V. Bhole, Kripa K. Kundaliya, Dr. Garreth Tigwell, Dr. Roshan Peiris
School of Information,
Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623, USA
Published by the Universal Access in Human Computer Interaction for the HCII 2024 Conference
Sense of smell is crucial for daily experiences like forming memories and enjoying food. However, 19-25% of adults have olfactory disorders, leading to hazardous situations.
25%
75%
With Olfactory Disorders
Without Olfactory Disorders
The Challenges
for People with Olfactory Disorders
1
Hazardous Situations
Failing to detect hazardous odors can put individuals at risk, highlighting the critical role of smell in daily life.
2
Impaired Enjoyment
Diminished ability to experience pleasant scents can significantly impact quality of life and environmental engagement.
3
Memory and Emotion Challenges
Smell's link to memory and emotions can lead to difficulties in recalling past events and forming new associations.
Research Questions
RQ1: Behaviors, Experiences, Challenges
What are the behaviors, experiences, and challenges faced by people with olfactory disorders in regards to the technologies they currently use?
RQ2: Desire for New Technology
Is there a desire for new assistive technology for people with olfactory disorders?
Methodology
Online Survey
30 questions covering demographics, treatments, effects, and coping strategies
Follow-up Interviews
Conducted remote semi-structured interviews with 10 participants to gain deeper insights.
Key Findings
Synthesized findings from the survey and interviews into actionable insights (Design Considerations).
1
2
3
4
5
Data Analysis (Quantitative & Qualitative)
Analyzed the survey data provided by 70 participants using both qualitative coding and statistical analysis
Data Analysis (Qualitative)
Analyzed the qualitative data from the interviews using open-coding approach
Findings
Participant Demographics (Age: 18-66)
Survey Participants
Male
Female
Non-binary
Unknown
1
1
24
44
Types of olfactory disorders
52
Anosmia
20
Parosmia
10
Hyposmia
5
Phantosmia
Interview Participants
Male
Female
Non-binary
1
4
5
Types of olfactory disorders
9
Anosmia
1
Unsure
Challenges Faced by Those with Olfactory Disorders
Hazardous Situations
Participants reported facing dangerous situations due to their inability to detect gas leaks, spoiled food, and harmful chemicals.
Workplace Difficulties
Individuals with olfactory disorders encountered challenges in their workplaces, affecting their ability to perform certain tasks.
Altered Taste Experiences
Participants experienced changes in their sense of taste, which impacted their enjoyment of food and their culinary experiences.
Limitations of Current Tech
Participants expressed worries about the reliance of current technologies on batteries and their limitations to outdoor usage.
Solutions Suggested by the Participants
Service Dogs
Participants envisioned service dogs as a non-technological solution to assist with olfactory disorders.
Color-changing Diapers
Other non-tech options included color-changing diapers to indicate toddler's excretions.
Wearable Devices
Participants focused on wearable or mobile devices that could detect spoiled food or hazardous gases.
Handheld Scanners
The desire for accessible, always-available assistive technologies included suggestions for handheld scanners.
Results
Inspired by participants' feedback, we discuss potential design considerations for olfactory assistive technologies.
Personal Space
Wearable devices that monitor the user's personal environment and detect odors
Intermediate Space
Mobile devices and apps to assist with specific tasks like cooking and eating
Environmental Space
Networked home/workplace devices that can detect hazardous odors and alert the user
Detailed Design Considerations
Emerging Sensor Technology
Advancements in electronic nose sensors, like metal oxide gas detectors, enable the development of wearable devices to assist those with olfactory disorders.
Integrating IoT Devices
Leveraging the prevalence of smart home IoT devices, olfactory assistive technologies can be seamlessly integrated to provide comprehensive support.
Portable Solutions
Making these devices portable allows users to benefit from olfactory assistance even when outside the home, addressing concerns about lacking detection capabilities in public.
User-Centric Design
Designing these wearable technologies with a deep understanding of user needs and preferences is critical to ensuring they are truly useful and accessible.
Takeaways
This project challenged me to tackle the underexplored area of olfactory accessibility, pushing me to navigate ambiguity and innovate with empathy. I learned that designing for inclusivity can drive broader impact, expanding my perspective on accessibility and multi-sensory design. Moving forward, I aim to be on the lookout for new sensors that could help make advancements in creating assistive technology for people with olfactory disorders.