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Children with mathematical difficulties usually have an impaired ability to process symbolic representations. Functional MRI methods have suggested that early frontoparietal connectivity can predict mathematic achievements; however, the study of brain connectivity during numerical processing remains unexplored. With the aim of evaluating this in children with different math proficiencies, we selected a sample of 40 children divided into two groups [high achievement (HA) and low achievement (LA)] according to their arithmetic scores in the Wide Range Achievement Test, 4th ed.. Participants performed a symbolic magnitude comparison task (i.e. determining which of two numbers is numerically larger), with simultaneous electrophysiological recording. Partial directed coherence and graph theory methods were used to estimate and depict frontoparietal connectivity in both groups. The behavioral measures showed that children with LA performed significantly slower and less accurately than their peers in the HA group. Significantly higher frontocentral connectivity was found in LA compared with HA; however, when the connectivity analysis was restricted to parietal locations, no relevant group differences were observed. These findings seem to support the notion that LA children require greater memory and attentional efforts to meet task demands, probably affecting early stages of symbolic comparison.

Fast‐moving consumer goods (FMCGs) are increasingly equipped with enhanced packaging that incorporates novel functionalities. Providing FMCGs with this technology is challenging due to their unique characteristics, such as their low cost and short lifespan. Knowledge derived from a comprehension of their interactions in practice can help develop FMCGs that better cater to consumer needs and are well‐integrated into real‐world contexts. To help develop a method for the formation of such practical insights, 20 households were visited where participants were then observed as they cooked a meal. The sessions were captured on video, and a detailed record of the interactions between individuals, FMCGs and other items was made. A quantitative ethnographic approach was applied to analyse and build an understanding of different aspects of these interactions including their frequential, sequential and correlational features. The findings are discussed through the lens of how an appreciation of the interactions of FMCGs can serve as a valuable guidance for the design and development of their enhanced counterparts. The discovery that FMCGs are linked to the use of other items, for instance, is proposed as an opportunity to make use of the unique properties of the other items that a given FMCG commonly interacts with as a resource to create functionalities. As an exploratory reflection of how FMCGs are utilised in practice, the methods and knowledge presented in this study can be valuable in creating enhanced FMCGs by advocating for a product development process in which decisions are firmly grounded in empirical insights.

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The incorporation of digital functionalities into consumer packaged goods (CPG) has the potential to improve our lives by supporting us in our daily practises. However, despite the increasing availability of data about their use, research is needed to explore how these data can be harnessed to create such digital enhancements. This paper explores how consumers can utilise data about interactions with CPGs to conceptualise their enhanced versions. We devised a data-inspired ideation approach, using data visualisations and design cards to facilitate the conceptualisation of enhanced CPGs. Analysing the role of data as expressed through participants’ comments and designs, we found that data served as a basis for the creation of unique concepts imbued with greater consideration for the experiences of others and attention to their own interests. Our study shows the value of empowering consumers through data to broaden and inform their contributions towards the creation of smart products.