Novel Method to Conduct Remote Sensory Sessions and Biometrics During Isolation

The latest pandemic due to COVID-19 appearance in 2020 has led to lockdown worldwide, which have affected companies and universities conducting sensory evaluation. Therefore, a novel method to conduct sensory sessions in isolation has been developed. This consists of using communication software such as Zoom and online software such as Google forms or RedJade to conduct the sensory sessions remotely. Different studies have been conducted using this technology (i) to assess consumers acceptability towards coffee labels, (ii) videos of beer while pouring, and (iii) images from the Geneva affective picture database using self-reported and biometric (subconscious) responses from consumers, and (iv) wine samples using a trained panel. The researcher shared the questionnaire link with the participants and connected through Zoom during the session using the camera to record videos of consumers responses while evaluating the samples for the biometrics. Findings were consistent with those from similar studies conducted in a sensory laboratory, which confirms the reliability of the proposed virtual method. Further developments will involve the assessment of multiple participants to record their biometrics simultaneously and optimise the sensory session time.