THE SCENT BRIEF LAB: TRANSLATING RESEARCH INTO OLFACTORY INTERPRETATION
How does research become a scent?
Before a perfumer creates a formula for an exhibition, someone must determine what is being interpreted, what evidence is available, what should be communicated, and what a visitor, audience, or participant should understand through smell. This process is often invisible, yet it is one of the most important stages of scent development.
The Scent Brief Lab is an in-person workshop that introduces participants to the practice of scent briefing through the lens of olfactory heritage, museum interpretation, and public engagement. Drawing on real-world projects from museums and cultural institutions, participants will learn how to translate research, historical evidence, and interpretive goals into a practical scent brief that can guide creative development.
Through case studies, discussion, and hands-on exercises, participants will work through the same questions faced by museum professionals, researchers, and creative practitioners: What is being interpreted? What evidence exists? What should audiences understand? Where does interpretation enter the process? And how can those ideas be communicated effectively to a perfumer?
What You Will Learn
Participants will gain an understanding of how scent briefs are developed and used within museums, cultural heritage projects, educational initiatives, and other public-facing contexts. The workshop explores how to work with historical and cultural research, identify interpretive opportunities, evaluate source material, develop clear interpretive goals, and create scent briefs that balance evidence, creativity, and audience needs.
Participants will leave with a practical briefing framework and a completed scent brief developed during the session.
Who This Class Is For
This workshop is open to anyone interested in scent, museums, cultural heritage, interpretation, education, public engagement, or creative practice. No prior knowledge of perfumery is required.
For participants seeking additional background, attending Scent as Interpretation: A Brief Introduction to Olfactory Heritage & Museology (November 21st, 2026 or January 30th from 1pm - 2pm EST) or Scent as Interpretation: Building a Foundation in Olfactory Heritage & Museology (December 12th, 2026 or February 20th, 2027 from 1pm-3:30 pm EST) beforehand is recommended but not required.
What to Expect
A hands-on, discussion-based workshop focused on the often-overlooked step between research and fragrance creation. Participants will examine real-world examples, work collaboratively, and develop their own scent brief while learning how research, evidence, and interpretive goals are translated into scent.
Whether you are a perfumer, museum professional, educator, researcher, designer, or curious learner, this workshop offers a practical introduction to one of the most important ways olfactory interpretations are planned and developed.