Refillable Car Scenting

Disciplines

Industrial Design
ENGINEERING
Colour, Material, Finish
Design for Manufacture
Art Direction

Layne asked us to design a refillable car scenting system that feels integrated into the interior, not clipped onto an air vent. The refills use natural clay as the scent carrier, releasing fragrance slowly and evenly through a gap around the centre of the form, lasting up to a month. The donut shape creates an iconic, recognisable silhouette that sets Layne apart in a largely unchanged category. A slightly translucent, high-gloss outer shell gives the object a soft, milky glow, turning a car accessory into something intriguing, that you’re proud to own.

INtroduction

We began by refining the user flow: open, insert, secure, forget. Magnetic hinge mechanisms were prototyped to achieve that satisfying “snap” yet remain seamless within the silhouette. We tested hinge strength, repeat cycles, and mount flex under vibration. The outer shell took shape in frosted PET creating a strong, slightly translucent effect, giving a premium, jewellery like effect. Inside, we incorporated an aluminium hinge for rigidity, and a silicone mount that allows users to mount the unit flexibly across the vehicle, including dash or windows.

strategy

Material and color were key partners in the experience. We explored playful but muted palettes of translucent pastels, so the device communicates personality without overpowering the space. During prototyping, we checked how light diffused through the shell under different tints. How users interacted with opening and replacing refills with minimal frustration or mess. Every iteration tested durability under heat, vibration, and day-to-day car life.

playfulness

The final Layne scent system is an object of intention, a scent device you’ll want to leave visible, not hide away. Its soft donut-like form creates a distinctive yet understated silhouette; calm, balanced, and quietly confident. Designed to feel both familiar and elevated, the shape gives the object presence without shouting for attention, blending sculptural simplicity with everyday usability.

scent

Functionally, each refill delivers a month of scent, rotating on subscription so users never run dry. The design balances durability and refinement, but the fragrance itself is curated more like a home scent than a typical car freshener; subtle, layered, and sophisticated. Layne replaces the synthetic “car sweet” smell with something closer to interior atmosphere, turning scent into part of your environment rather than a cover-up.