James Auger

"What if we could use smell to find the perfect partner?"
Smell Blind Date from Smell Research Project (In collaboration with Philips Design)

James Auger was born in Derby 1970. He has a BA in Product Design from Glasgow School of Art and an MA in Design Products from the Royal College of Art in London. Post RCA he worked as a Research Associate for Media Lab Europe.

"Dating and genetic compatibility:
For the Amazonian Desana marriage is only allowed between individuals with different odours. (same with Batek Negrito of the Malay Peninsula). In conjunction research (wedekind et al, 1995. Proc R London ser B 260:245-249) has proven that Humans use body odour to identify genetically appropriate mates.

This proposal is for a blind dating agency aimed at individuals wishing to meet a suitable partner for procreation. Olfactory communication is given precidence over visual stimuli."

This is a great direction to take. If it's all down to a simple thing like smell to find our "perfect" partner then there must be some sorts of sensors in our brains that direct us to the sorts of smells we're aiming for? Are there different smells for males, females, homosexuals or transexuals like April Ashley?

Today we use shampoos, conditioners and perfumes to mask our natural scents. Is this preventing our search for the perfect partner? Have we become disgusted by things like body odours and are those the features we should hold on to? Sounds a bit gross right? But who knows...