Reviews of sensory data collection software

This is a collection of reviews and comments submitted by users of various data collection software systems. It will be updated and revised from time to time.

Pieter Punter (submitted April 19, 2007)

Although not being completely objective, the most "up-to-date" system is EyeQuestion from Logic8. This is an internet-oriented, browser based program which uses the latest technology and is very user friendly. We commission often sensory profiling tests to other agencies in Europe and have the impression that other systems are not that easyor flexible when it comes prepare or change questionnaires.

My ranking in terms of flexibility and user friendlyness would be EyeQuestion, Compusense and then Fizz.

Artificial Intelligence in Sensory?

By Gregory Stucky, Insights NOW

AI critics have always argued that people will always possess an intellect and understanding that machines can't match.

For example, artificial intelligence may allow for a computer someday to write articles, stories and poems. But it will be quite some time before a machine will express itself in a style that is human.

E.E. Cummings, Robert Frost, and all the great poets have individual styles that are based upon their deep human experiences. A machine just doesn't possess that kind of understanding and wisdom.

It may happen someday that robots become artists or writers.

But still, for most people the idea seems foreign that a machine could love and hate. Feel pain and pleasure or know what it means to be happy or sad or understand likes and dislikes.

But AI can be used for much simpler purposes.

Take consumer behavior as an example. It is now entirely possible to create data models that adapt to new information and learn as they experience, or process, new information.
What that means is that traditional products can be developed from multiple, streaming points of data, transforming static processes into ones that adapt to ongoing customer information.

The results are far reaching.

Products can be transformed, free from the constraints of static environments, which dictate one-dimensional development, pricing and promotion.

Instead, products may be developed according to the dynamic flow of the market. They can be positioned across multiple market segments with tens, hundreds or even thousands of price points. Each individual can be designated as a separate model so all aspects of the product lifecycle process can be optimized for individual customers. Artificial Intelligence can be used to monitor like individuals so that clusters of consumers can be monitored for trends and patterns, allowing for the prediction of future trends.

Maybe I?m just a ?techie? but to me that is pretty cool. It?s not quite a free thinking computer, but it certainly is intelligent.

copyright 2002 Greg Stucky

Advances and the Future of Data Collection Systems in Sensory Evaluation

By Paul Lichtman, Sensory Computer Systems

While automated computer systems have enabled a dramatic increase in the amount and ease of collection of sensory data since the days of paper and pencil, there is one word to describe the future: Internet. Just about any statistics you see show the dramatic growth of Internet use. Its application to Sensory Evaluation should not be an exception. However, the data collectors need to be prepared to deal with several issues to ensure that the potential gains are realized:

? Internet Communication and Device Configuration Standards
? Software Application Conversion Options
? Privacy on the Internet

We'll examine each of these issues in turn.

Why the Internet?

What are the advantages of using the Internet to collect sensory evaluation data? For one, product evaluators need have no special software other than an Internet browser to take a sensory test. No longer do technical specialists have to configure hardware and software before a software program will operate properly. If you can browse the Internet, you can take a sensory test.

Since the Internet is so accessible, sensory tests can incorporate test takers from any part of the world. No longer do panelists need to gather in one place to take a particular test. While it is likely that tests of that type will still continue to be given, it may still be advantageous to have the tests conducted on the Internet so that the data is located centrally. Moreover, it may still be easier than configuring hardware and software for the test stations.

The cost of administering tests can often be much lower when you use the Internet. You may not have to telephone or meet with people to ask them questions. You don't have to print questionnaires, or pay postage for their return. Response data can be automatically entered to your database. You can notify participants via e-mail when and how to take the test. Or, if you are accepting anonymous participation, you can have people enter tests directly from your web-site.

Internet Standards

"OK, I see that the Internet is the way to go." you say. What else do I have to know? What other developments are on the horizon? Well, for one thing, take a look at how people are connecting to the Internet. While many people connect from home with a 56K modem, others are using cable modems, DSL, and other connections that allow much faster transmission. As connections get faster and faster it becomes easier to send both video and audio feeds via the Internet. Moreover, Internet devices are getting smaller and smaller. Many of them are wireless and handheld. So a prospective tester can take an Internet connection device anywhere to conduct a test.

One new Internet access device is designed for the kitchen. It can play CD's, show TV, and provide Web access. It even has a washable keyboard. However, at present it appears that devices like this may not be quite ready for universal access, and thereby lies the potential for caution. This particular product requires a unique Internet Service Provider (ISP). Also, it may not integrate with your existing e-mail account. It may not be able to take advantage of popular browser plug-in programs that enable audio, video, and animation to be received over the Internet.

But within a few years it is reasonable to expect that wireless, hand-held Internet connection devices will become fairly commonplace in many homes and offices. As we have seen in other areas of communication, certain technologies usually emerge as standards. So it is important to ensure that your data collection system is able to adapt to communication and data storage methods as Internet technology evolves. Moreover, if your sensory testing will utilize audio and video, you will want testers to have broadband access to the Internet with reliable interactivity.


Converting Existing Applications

How do you manage the conversion of an existing sensory data collection application from an internal network application to enable Web connectivity? Here are some issues to consider:

? Ease of installation, configuration, and deployment.
? Data security
? Ease of use
? Ease of application customization and maintenance
? Implementation time
? Technical support--availability, type, and cost
? Total cost of deployment

A customized solution, i.e., a complete rewrite of the application for the Web, will usually provide the best and most complete conversion of application features. It will be able to tailor data access to the groups that need it and exclude it from all others. Unfortunately, the implementation time will be higher than just about any other solution, as will the total cost of deployment.

An alternative to customization is the "Web-to-host" solution, supplied by a third party. Simply, Web-to-host is a terminal emulation package made for an Internet browser. The application logic remains on the host server, while the Web is used to provide the information to the user. Web-to-host solutions are usually easy to install, have low implementation time, and cost much less than customization. However, data security issues may require that additional business logic be added to the Web server so access is limited to the appropriate audience. Also, the application will often appear new to the user, and require some additional training. Even if it is determined that the Web-to-host solution will not fulfill all the business needs of the application, it may still be a good interim solution for host access. Expect Web-to-host solutions to be prominent for several years more.

Privacy on the Internet

Without doubt the collection of sensory data on the Internet will often include sensitive information. Research participants will often require assurance that their profiles and taste preferences not be shared with any other organizations. Yet many other test panelists, if given the opportunity, would permit the sharing of their private data in return for incentives, monetary or other. Targeted Internet advertising has become a big business. But privacy advocates are hunting for information disclosure violations, and pushing legislation that would take consumer involvement to a whole new level.

Clearly this controversy is only going to heat up. Meanwhile, sensory data collectors will need to establish policies on this issue. While there may be significant profit possibilities available for the sale or exchange of data, sensory testing firms will probably need to examine their missions and make some distinct choices. But they should also remain flexible enough to be able to adapt to changes in public perceptions and attitudes. Regardless of the outcome, sensory evaluation data is and will continue to be valuable information. Its custodians will always need to nurture it and protect it closely.

copyright 2002 Paul Lichtman

Sense Talk!

Dear Sensory Professionals,

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