Multisensory modelling of wetness perception during baby hygiene absorbent products interactions
Lead Research Organisation:
Loughborough University
Department Name: Loughborough Design School
Abstract
This project will investigate and model wetness perception during baby hygiene absorbent products interactions, using a novel multisensory neuroscience approach that is based on Dr Davide Filingeri' s recent discovery of the neural mechanisms underlying human skin wetness perception.
The perception of wetness is the most critical determinant of comfort and acceptability of hygiene absorbent products, amongst which baby nappies; yet we know very little on what sensory cues (i.e. visual, thermal, tactile, smell, sound) contribute to wetness perception during baby absorbent products interactions.
Baby nappies are unique absorbent products, as their comfort and acceptability is primarily assessed by the baby's caregiver rather than by the wearer (i.e. the baby). This poses a major challenge to understanding what aspects of the product and of the interaction between carer and baby can be improved, to reduce wetness perceptions and maximize carer and wearer's comfort during nappy changes.
Using a unique mix of human sensory neuroscience applied to product engineering, the proposed research aims to:
1. Quantify the individual and interactive contribution of different sensory cues (i.e. visual, thermal, tactile, smell, sound) to the perception of wetness during a standardised caregiver/baby nappy-changing scenario;
2. Identify any additive, synergistic or antagonistic interaction between sensory cues;
3. Develop the first empirical model of the biophysical and perceptual factors contributing to wetness perception during baby absorbent products interactions;
The knowledge produced will provide novel insights on the neural mechanisms of multisensory integration in humans and will support innovation in user-centered-design and engineering of more comfortable and effective hygiene absorbent products for both babies and adults.
The perception of wetness is the most critical determinant of comfort and acceptability of hygiene absorbent products, amongst which baby nappies; yet we know very little on what sensory cues (i.e. visual, thermal, tactile, smell, sound) contribute to wetness perception during baby absorbent products interactions.
Baby nappies are unique absorbent products, as their comfort and acceptability is primarily assessed by the baby's caregiver rather than by the wearer (i.e. the baby). This poses a major challenge to understanding what aspects of the product and of the interaction between carer and baby can be improved, to reduce wetness perceptions and maximize carer and wearer's comfort during nappy changes.
Using a unique mix of human sensory neuroscience applied to product engineering, the proposed research aims to:
1. Quantify the individual and interactive contribution of different sensory cues (i.e. visual, thermal, tactile, smell, sound) to the perception of wetness during a standardised caregiver/baby nappy-changing scenario;
2. Identify any additive, synergistic or antagonistic interaction between sensory cues;
3. Develop the first empirical model of the biophysical and perceptual factors contributing to wetness perception during baby absorbent products interactions;
The knowledge produced will provide novel insights on the neural mechanisms of multisensory integration in humans and will support innovation in user-centered-design and engineering of more comfortable and effective hygiene absorbent products for both babies and adults.
| Description | • A standard experimental design for the investigation of psychophysical stimulus perception has been developed. • The wetness detection threshold of the human index finger pad has been quantified at neutral skin temperature. This is the minimum amount of liquid required for something to be perceived as wet. • The effect of moisture temperature on human index finger pad wetness detection thresholds has been quantified. • The relationship between perceived wetness and perceived roughness has been established. • The effect of visual cues on wetness perception has been investigated both in situ and ex situ. |
| Exploitation Route | Although the award is still active, by its completion it is hoped that a multisensory integration model for human wetness perception will be proposed, which will be applicable in many avenues. Academically, this research will provide an insight to the neural mechanisms underpinning the sensation. Additionally, the model can be applied to other sensory experiences to assess its wider applicability outside of a wetness perception context. In doing so, this will allow further evidence to be gained in support of previously proposed multisensory integration methods such as Bayesian modelling or visual dominance. Non-academically, the knowledge produced has also provided novel insights to inform the design and manufacture of superabsorbent hygiene products, making them more comfortable, effective and economical. |
| Sectors | Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Other |
| Description | While the focus of this award has primarily been within an academic context, the knowledge produced has also provided novel insights in other contexts, such as product design. Although not yet complete, the outcomes of the award are already informing the user centred design and manufacture of superabsorbent hygiene products, making them more comfortable, effective and economical. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2018 |
| Sector | Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
| Impact Types | Societal,Economic |