Dynamic Context Sensory Testing–A Proof of Concept Study Bringing Virtual Reality to the Sensory Booth

Abstract

We consume foods in environments that can "spill over" into our perceptions of the food. Thus, we consider some foods "unsuitable" for certain settings, with others deemed more suitable for this locale. This has been studied for many years as sensory "context," with written descriptions, pictures, or videos of such contexts. We present a method generating virtual reality contexts without any specist programming knowledge, for a few hundred dollars. In an accompanying pilot test, perception of a sample was significantly influenced by the VR context in which it was delivered.

From sterile labs to rich VR: Immersive multisensory context critical for odors to induce motivated cleaning behavior

“…Fragrances are among the most important consumer benefits for a wide variety of products (including laundry detergent), and fragrances also form a large part of the cost of the product, making it of utmost importance to test odors and their effects on consumers in the most efficient way possible, under the right settings. Admittedly, significant methodological challenges related to odor “production” need to be solved before olfactory displays can be introduced as a mainstream technology (Salminen et al, 2018 ); nevertheless, there are affordable and easy-to-implement methods for adapting VR technology to sensory evaluation, without prohibitive amounts of expensive equipment or programming knowledge (Stelick, Penano, Riak, & Dando, 2018 ). For instance, a successful virtual environment was formed by showing 360 ° videos overlaid with audio, text, and images to simulate a typical sensory evaluation ballot within the VR headset (Stelick et al, 2018 ).…”

Assessing the Influence of Visual-Taste Congruency on Perceived Sweetness and Product Liking in Immersive VR

“…With advances in immersive technologies such as mixed VR, augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality, increasing numbers of researchers have started to explore applications of these technologies in sensory and consumer studies [36][37][38][39]. Although conducting studies in natural and real-life settings tends to increase test validity and consumer engagement, it can be tricky and costly [40][41][42].…”

Virtual Reality and the End of Tourism? A Substitution Acceptance Model

“…Existing abilities to mimic scents artificially via chemical combinations are fairly advanced, and the key challenge involves removing lingering smells when needed, yet progress is being made in this area (Swisher 2018). Additionally, academic researchers (e.g., Stelick et al 2018) and companies (e.g., Nelson 2016) are even developing VR culinary experiences, in which visuals, scents, and other cues give the user the illusion of eating one food when he or she is really eating something else (e.g., a basic gelatin being consumed as "sushi"). Finally, the current rudimentary remote control input devices likely will be replaced by more advanced technologies including eye tracking (e.g., Smith and Graham 2006), voice commands, and eventually even brain waves.…”