Yokun Olfactory Training System

Yokun's focus is on age-related olfactory deterioration, which affects 46% of people over the age of 75. A diminished sense of smell can lead to safety risks, impair taste perception, and worsen nutritional status. As the decline is gradual, individuals often fail to notice it themselves. Olfactory training, which helps restore the sense of smell, requires individuals to concentrate on a scent for about 10 seconds, several times a day, for a minimum of 90 days. However, maintaining this habit for over three months without immediate feedback or motivation is extremely difficult. To address this, the team conducted various experiments to make olfactory training more engaging and sustainable. One solution was to make scents visually perceptible by using soap bubbles. The device is designed for use in the living room, study, or other areas of the home. When a person approaches, a sensor activates and releases a scented soap bubble. Four bubbles are generated in succession, each with a different scent. By smelling each for 10 seconds, users engage in effective olfactory training. The system introduces a total of eight scents — delivered twice daily, morning and night — integrating smell training seamlessly into everyday life. Red Dot Award: Design Concept | Concept | Healthcare