Research

Services

Colors, textures, smells, flavors and sounds: The sensory qualities of products and places contribute to the well-being and satisfaction of users. The PULSE laboratory establishes a precise scientific diagnosis of perceived sensations using an innovative approach, placing the user at the center of the experience. PULSE thus finely, objectively and reproducibly describes the perceived quality of products and ambient conditions. It is involved at all stages of a project development, from brand identity and product design to marketing and quality control. PULSE strengthens the sensory impact of projects so that businesses from all sectors can adapt them to their target audience.

PULSE laboratory
Contents

An innovative approach

PULSE scientifically analyses the response of the human body to sensory stimuli. What makes it special? It can detect an individual's unconscious responses. By studying the body's reactions, it establishes the objective factors influencing users'perceptions. The method deployed comes from more than 10 years of CSTB research and development and is patented.

The PULSE Laboratory assesses the sensory qualities (taste, smell, touch, sound, appearance) of a product, service or place using tests conducted in user panels. Through a complete diagnosis, it analyzes explicit and implicit perceptions to decrypt preferences and expectations. PULSE identifies areas for improvement.

Service offer

The PULSE laboratory uses three complementary methodologies, separately or combined, to provide solutions tailored to your needs.

Traditional sensory analysis

This method consists in conducting declarative, descriptive and hedonic tests in a user panel. Users answer standardized questionnaires, which provide information about their perceptions of the characteristics of a product and ultimately their feelings about the product.

Multicriteria sensory and physiological analysis

This approach combines conventional sensory analysis with an innovative method designed by the CSTB. It measures the physiological reactions of the human body (sweating, heart rate, blood flow, skin temperature, etc.) to assess objectively and precisely the reactions of individuals. The method is particularly useful because it is sometimes difficult—if not impossible (babies, animals)—for users to describe their feelings and emotions using a measurement survey.

PULSE overcomes the limitations related to verbalization and conscious detection thresholds to uncover perceptions, even the most vague and difficult to express. It assesses the quality perceived as close as possible to user sentiment.

Multicriteria analysis in a controlled environment

This method combines sensory and/or physiological analysis under real conditions. CSTB test facilities, such as the Jules Verne climatic wind tunnel, reproduce specific environments by varying the level of sound, brightness, temperature, humidity and wind. PULSE can finely assess the perceived quality of a product taking into account its context of use.

Applications

The PULSE laboratory offers a service that adapts to the needs of various sectors, including:

Human and animal processed foods

Human & animal
processed foods

Water management

Water management

Beverages, wines and spirits

Beverages, wines
& spirits

Hotels, restaurants

Hotels,
restaurants

Medicine, sports

Medicine, sports

Cosmetics and well-being

Cosmetics & well-being

Electrical appliances

Electrical appliances

Distribution and sales

Distribution & sales

Transportation

Transportation

Construction, urban planning

Construction,
urban planning

The PULSE laboratory is involved in all stages of a project. It provides decision support to:

  • Better design and develop your products, spaces and services for end users;
  • Improve the perception of users and customers and encourage purchases at your points of sale;
  • Develop communication campaigns;
  • Evaluate your projects and identify growth drivers;
  • Strengthen quality control for your products and services; and
  • Identify, understand and resolve dissatisfaction.