Comparative evaluation of data acquisition support methodologies for projective mapping: paper-based, screen-based and new digital sensor approach, using canned fish products
Sensory analysis predominantly employs descriptive methods to efficiently characterize product attributes, as they provide a comprehensive and systematic evaluation while being both time- and resource-efficient [1]. Projective Mapping(PM) focuses on product comparison[2] by grouping samples based on perceived similarity/dissimilarity, a method commonly complemented by Ultra Flash Profiling(UFP) [3]. Projective mapping has evolved from the paper-based classical methodology to a new cutting-edge digital sensor approach and this study aims to compare the application of three different methodologies (paper, screen and digital) for the acquisition of PM data from over 20 canned fish products and to evaluate the impact of cognitive style [4] on the results. In the paper-based PM, eighty participants positioned samples on a 60×40cm sheet and performed UFP. In the screen-based PM, samples were positioned as on-screen draggable icons, and UFP was recorded as comments. In the new digital PM, 3D-printed AprilTags identify samples, which are automatically captured by a ceiling-mounted OAK-D PoE detector. This is an advanced camera for robotic vision, combining a stereo depth camera and a high-resolution colour camera with on-device Neural Network inferencing. Some participants completed multiple methods. Overall liking was evaluated on a 9-point hedonic scale. Results indicate that screen-based PM offers a user-friendly and practical alternative to traditional methods, while new digital PM reduces errors, and improves efficiency without compromising the direct interaction between participants and sample positioning. A majority of the participants were analytical, with only a few truly intuitive, the first yielding a higher discrimination of the canned fish samples.
References:
[1] P. Varela, G. Ares, Food Research International,48 (2012) 893–908
[2] M. Jervis, M. Drake, Journal of Sensory Studies, 29 (2014) 242-243.
[3] R. Moss, M.B. McSweeney, Journal of Sensory Studies 2 (2022).
[4] Cognitive Styles and Learning Strategies. Understanding Style Differences in Learning and Behaviour Richard Riding, Stephen Rayner, (1st Edition), London, David Fulton Publishers, (1998).
Keywords: canned fish products, consumer evaluation, projective mapping, sensory properties
Acknowledgements: Author Bruna Barbosa acknowledges Non-Academic Doctoral grant No. 2023.03467.BDANA, funded by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and supported by Sense Test, Lda. Authors Barbosa, Rocha and Cunha acknowledge additional support from FCT through UID 05748: GreenUPorto - Centro de Investigação em Produção Agroalimentar Sustentável.
Publish date 2025-08-18
Author(s) Rui Costa Lima, Diego Martínez, Bruna Barbosa, Luís Baião, Maria João Monteiro, Ruben Jorge, Teresa A.C. Oliveira, Carlos Cabral, Luís Miguel Cunha, Célia Rocha
