Sensory Booths
Our sensory booths are built for accurate, controlled product evaluations. Participants have privacy to assess the products without distractions. The booths include a door for sample delivery, so there’s no need for interaction with servers. Equipped with iPads for real-time data collection, our setup significantly boosts the efficiency and reliability of the testing process. The booths also offer customizable lighting options, including white and red lights, to suit different testing needs. After each session, we provide detailed reports on product performance and consumer feedback.

Software

Compusense

Compusense is used in the Sensory Lab to design, conduct, and analyze sensory and consumer research studies. The software supports a wide range of test types and methodologies, providing a streamlined and standardized approach to data collection and analysis. Its flexibility and user-friendly interface make it well-suited for both student-led and faculty-directed research.

Compusense is also integrated into classroom instruction, giving students hands-on experience with tools commonly used in industry and academic research. Institutions such as Fresno State, Cal State Long Beach, Iowa State University, Oregon State, University of Georgia, Aarhus University, University of Reading, and the National University of Singapore also use Compusense for both teaching and research purposes.

FaceReader

The lab uses FaceReader software, developed by Noldus Information Technology, to assess participants’ facial expressions and emotional responses during sensory and consumer studies. FaceReader analyzes live video, pre-recorded sessions, or still images, and also supports simultaneous recording of audio and video—allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of verbal and nonverbal reactions.

Widely used in academic and industry research—including by institutions such as Stanford, Cambridge, CalTech, NASA, Pfizer, and IBM—FaceReader adds an additional layer of insight to studies involving product perception and emotional response.

At Chapman, the software supports a variety of research projects exploring consumer reactions to novel food products, such as fiber- or juice-fortified milk, functional coffee beverages, insect-based protein alternatives, nostalgic foods, and culturally significant cuisines.

XLSTAT-Sensory

XLSTAT-Sensory, a specialized module within the XLSTAT statistical software suite, is used in the lab for detailed analysis of sensory and consumer data. It offers tools for preference mapping, CATA (Check-All-That-Apply), discrimination testing, temporal dominance of sensations, and panelist performance evaluation.

The software plays an integral role in both undergraduate and graduate research, as well as in industry-focused projects conducted through the lab. Its intuitive interface and comprehensive statistical capabilities support accurate, efficient analysis across a wide range of experimental design.