Scenora – Mapping the Scentscape of Singapore’s MRT UI/UX
Group Project
Figma / P5JS / Indesign / Premiere Pro
Mar 2025
Public transportation is an integral part of urban life, yet its sensory aspects remain largely unnoticed. SCENORA (Scent + Aurora) is a sensory mapping project that explores the Singapore Red MRT Line, the oldest transit route in the city, by documenting its distinct smellscape.
To better understand the invisible yet impactful role of scent in public spaces, we collected data on five key elements—Food, Air Conditioning, Perfume, Body, and Crowd Density—assigning each a unique color (yellow, blue, purple, green, and red). Using p5.js, we visualized these data points, translating intangible sensory experiences into dynamic visuals. To make this data accessible, we developed a mobile app using Figma, allowing commuters to check real-time scent conditions at different MRT stations.
To better understand the invisible yet impactful role of scent in public spaces, we collected data on five key elements—Food, Air Conditioning, Perfume, Body, and Crowd Density—assigning each a unique color (yellow, blue, purple, green, and red). Using p5.js, we visualized these data points, translating intangible sensory experiences into dynamic visuals. To make this data accessible, we developed a mobile app using Figma, allowing commuters to check real-time scent conditions at different MRT stations.
Targeting daily commuters, urban researchers, and designers, SENORA provides a novel way to navigate the city beyond traditional maps. By bridging sensory perception with data visualization, the project highlights how scent shapes our experience of public transit, offering a fresh perspective on urban mobility and spatial awareness.
RESEARCH
As part of the Scenora project, we conducted an olfactory research journey across multiple train stations in the city. Our goal was to capture and document the unique scentscape of each location. We divided our investigation into five distinct scent categories:
- Natural Scents – such as flowers, grass, and soil.
- Artificial Scents – including perfumes, detergents, and industrial smells.
- Food Scents – like street food, coffee, and snacks.
- Human-Related Scents – including body odor, sweat, and cosmetics.
- Environmental Scents – such as dust, humidity, or transportation-related smells.
This sensory mapping helped us understand how scent plays a role in shaping the identity and atmosphere of each station. The research served as a foundation for developing scent-based storytelling and design concepts.
Protoptype
Based on our scent research across MRT stations, we developed a mobile application that helps users navigate the city’s MRT system with their senses in mind. The app provides real-time scent condition updates for each station, making it easier for commuters to plan a more comfortable route.
Key Features:
- Real-Time Scent Updates
Users can check the current scent environment at various stations before their commute, allowing them to avoid unpleasant conditions and choose fresher routes. - Voice Interaction
The app includes a voice assistant feature. For example, when a user asks, “How’s Novena Station today?”, the app responds with a voice update on the scent atmosphere — whether it’s fresh, crowded, or has strong food or industrial smells. - Personalized Alerts
Users can receive notifications about their frequently used stations, with suggestions for alternative routes based on scent preferences.
By integrating sensory data into daily transportation, the app aims to offer a more human-centered and refreshing commuting experience.
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