isi. sensory futures

Capsules with a Conscience: Sustainable Coffee Capsules on the Flavour Map📍 Anna Trinks and her colleagues recently completed an innovative sensory mapping project for Naturecups, designed to find and compare the taste profile of their sustainable coffee capsules to that of their competitors. Using a coffee panel, they mapped out flavor attributes from five major coffee capsule brands—each featuring lungo, espresso, and decaf variations suited for Nespresso machines. The project revealed that Naturecups stand out with a rich, roasty, and chocolaty profile, placing them alongside traditional metal capsules in flavor depth while remaining eco-friendly. In detail: 🌱 Nature Cups Espresso Grande: Comparable in acidity and strength to other leading brands, featuring a distinctively roasty and chocolaty finish. 🌱 Nature Cups Decaf: Matches the bold profile of prominent decaf options, demonstrating that low-acid decaf can still deliver robust flavor. 🌱 Nature Cups Bio Crema Bar: Offers a mild acidity similar to popular lungo varieties, providing a smooth and enjoyable experience. But it’s not just about taste; unlike the other tested capsules, Naturecups are the only ones with sustainable packaging. This mapping demonstrates that eco-friendly options don’t compromise flavor—consumers can enjoy delicious coffee while being kind to the planet. Curious to explore these insights further or have questions? Connect with Anna Trinks or Robert Möslein to discover how this project is transforming the coffee experience! ☕ #isiinsights #sensoryresearch #mapping #coffeecapsules  Espresso Colonia 

📢 Innovative Webinar Alert! 📢 Does traditional consumer segmentation and persona development feel outdated, especially in the fast-moving FMCG sector? With consumers constantly switching between products depending on the situation, it’s getting harder to pinpoint what really drives their choices. That’s why our Managing Director, Joachim Haag, is hosting a 30-minute webinar on Marktforschung.de next month to explore how Demand Spaces (DS) can transform your approach to product innovation. Joachim will dive into how understanding real-life usage scenarios and Jobs to Be Done (JTBD) helps create delightful product experiences (PX) while showing how strategic marketing planning and meaningful product innovation can intertwine to build a strong, flexible portfolio. If you want actionable insights on crafting compelling product experiences that truly resonate with consumers throughout their journey, don’t miss this quick and practical 30-minute session – perfect to fit into your day! Just sign up below ⬇ to learn, interact, and ask your questions. Joachim Haag is excited to connect with you and share his expertise. Let’s rethink how strategic marketing planning and product innovation can come together to elevate your brand! 💡 📅 Date: 25.011.2024 11 A.M.  🔗 Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eYJ-kEps #Webinar #demandspaces #FMCG #sensoryresearch #consumerjourney #productexperience #JTBD #isiinsights 

Skinification - The Beauty Regimen Your Hair Craves ✨ Forget just washing and conditioning! Consumers are now treating their hair with the same care and attention they give their skin. This "skinification" trend in haircare is all about holistic health, with a focus on scalp care and ingredient consciousness.    What's driving this trend?   🔹 Scalp Health = Hair Health: Consumers are recognizing the link between a healthy scalp and luscious locks.  🔹 Holistic Haircare: The demand for natural, effective solutions that nourish both the scalp and hair is on the rise.  🔹 Skincare-Inspired Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and other skincare heroes are making their way into haircare formulations.  🔹 Luxurious Rituals: Multi-step routines with targeted treatments, like scalp masks and serums, are elevating the haircare experience.    To successfully tap into the growing 'skinification' trend in haircare, brands can focus on several key areas to meet consumer demands:  🔹 Sensory Evaluation: Analyzing the textures and fragrances of scalp and hair treatments to ensure they align with consumer expectations for a luxurious experience.  🔹 Ingredient Testing: Evaluating the efficacy and consumer perception of skincare-inspired ingredients in haircare.  🔹 Claim Substantiation: Providing robust data to support claims related to scalp health, hair growth, and overall hair improvement.    Curious to learn more and take your haircare line to the next level? Read here for more info and talk to us to benefit from this trend! 🧖♀ https://lnkd.in/e2qWRbsu.   #trendtuesday #skinification #haircare #scalpcare #sensoryresearch #isiinsights 

Harbor City & big Ideas: Recap of Our Time in Hamburg!    The bags are unpacked, and regular life has started again, but we’re still feeling the energy from last week’s amazing ESN Meeting in Hamburg. Now that we're all back home, it’s the perfect time to reflect on those inspiring three days. 🎉    Our time together was packed with innovation, collaboration, and plenty of fun. After kicking off with interesting sessions and discussions (special thanks to Oliver Leisse for his keynote; see our last post), the excitement carried on with some amazing highlights that brought us closer as a community. One of the standout moments was for sure the birthday-celebration of ESN (see our last post). Fun Fact: Exactly 35 representing members from at least 13 European countries celebrated 35 years of ESN. Another highlight was our evening boat tour through the stunning Hamburg harbor. As we cruised past the Landungsbrücken, the old Fischmarkt, Hamburg's beaches, Airbus sites up to Blankenese, we enjoyed a delicious dinner on board, shared great conversations, and took in the fresh sea breeze. It was the perfect way to unwind after a full day of inspiration and learning. 🌊🚤    Friday arrived too quickly, but we finished on a high note. The day began with another break-out group session, were we worked on new project ideas and proposals, and turned into short updates on upcoming ESN plans. We finished the meeting with a delicious lunch in the foodlab. by the water - a perfect way to end our time in Hamburg. 🍽️    Looking back, this meeting was everything we hoped for and more. We shared exciting ideas, celebrated 35 years of ESN, and strengthened the connections that help us grow together. We’re proud to have had the chance to organize this event and want to say a huge thank you to everyone who attended and made it so special. 🙌 Now, we’re already excited for the next gathering in Geneva, hosted by dsm-firmenich. See you all in Switzerland!    Alexandra A. Kraus, Sven Henneberg, Dr. Dag Piper, Greta Rieke    #ESNMeeting #35YearsESN #isiinsights 

Exciting Times at the ESN Meeting in Hamburg! 🚀 Yesterday, we kicked off our gathering at betahaus with two short meetings, followed by an informal dinner at the newly opened Le Big Tam Tam restaurant, where some of Hamburg's most famous chefs come together to create an unforgettable culinary experience! 🌟 Well rested, we started this morning with an Inspiration Session led by Oliver Leisse: The Future is Now: AI Transformations in FMCG. His insights led to a productive discussion that left us all thinking about the role of AI in shaping the future of our industry. 🤖✨ During the coffee break, we celebrated a special milestone—ESN's 35th anniversary—complete with a surprise cake and coffee party! 🎂 Although there's more to come today and tomorrow, it's already been a great opportunity to catch up with familiar faces, meet new colleagues and engage in fascinating discussions. If you want to learn more about these exciting developments, feel free to contact us at isi anytime! We'd love to talk to you! For the rest of the day, we’re looking forward to even more great speakers and conversations and to end this inspirational day we’re already excited about our boat tour this evening! 🚤 Dr. Dag Piper, Sven Henneberg, Alexandra A. Kraus, Greta Rieke #isiinsights #ESNMeeting #35YearsESN #Innovation 

ESN Meeting docks in Hamburg 🚢 The time has come: We at isi are more than excited to host the 70th European Sensory Network (ESN) meeting in Hamburg next week! 🎉 This is no ordinary meeting - this year also marks the 35th anniversary of ESN, and as a long-time member, we're ready to celebrate this incredible network and pull out all the stops to make this an unforgettable event! The meeting will take place on October 10-11 at the innovative betahaus in Hamburg, where we'll gather to exchange ideas, listen to inspiring sessions and great speakers, and discuss new methods in sensory research. This is the perfect opportunity to collaborate with experts from universities, research institutes and industry partners from Europe, the USA and Canada. 🌍 But it's not all work - we've put together a series of exciting social events to complement the learning experience. Explore the charm of Hamburg through special dining experiences and don't miss our boat tour through Hamburg's beautiful waterways! 🌊 It's the perfect blend of professional development and a bit of fun in (we think 😉) one of Europe's most iconic cities. We are incredibly proud to be hosting the ESN meeting and can't wait to welcome you all to Hamburg! If you have any questions or need more information, please reach out - we are here to help. We're looking forward to a great event! See you in Hamburg!  Dr. Dag Piper, Alexandra A. Kraus, Sven Henneberg, Greta Rieke #ESN #35YearsOfESN #isiinsights 

The Enchanting Power of Scent – Mood-Boosting Fragrances 🌸 Scent isn't just about smelling good—it's about feeling good! The power of fragrances to enhance our mood, evoke emotions, and even influence our well-being is scientifically proven. With the right scent, brands can tap into a deeper connection with their consumers, creating experiences that are both personal and memorable. What's making waves? 🌊 🔹Mood Enhancement Through Scent: Scents like lavender, peppermint, and sandalwood can trigger emotional responses, impacting everything from stress relief to energy boosts. 🔹 Science Meets Fragrance: Our sense of smell connects directly to the brain's limbic system, influencing memory, mood, and behavior—making scent a powerful tool in shaping how we feel. 🔹 Consumer-Centric Products: Brands can harness this knowledge to create products that relax, energize, or uplift, tailored to their audience's emotional needs.  Why is this important? 🤔 By utilizing scent-based research, companies can gain valuable insights to craft products that emotionally resonate with consumers. Understanding which fragrances evoke happiness, relaxation, or focus allows brands to create tailored experiences that enhance well-being, helping them stay competitive in an evolving market. So, what's left to do but create the newest uplifting scents ✨ Curious to learn more about it? Challenge us! https://lnkd.in/euM3buJ8 https://lnkd.in/eyiTAZDD https://lnkd.in/e3JZsm-K #TrendTuesday  #Innovation #SensoryResearch #ISInsights 

Building a Healthier Future, One Herb at a Time 👶🌿 Happy World Children's Day! Today, we celebrate our youngest and reflect on how we can better understand their needs and enhance their experiences—particularly in nutrition and sensory development. In this effort, we gained valuable insights from Prof. Dr. Andrea Maier-Nöth, an expert in health psychology and child nutrition, and part of our isi network, who emphasizes the essential role of sensory education in early childhood. By understanding how children interact with the world, we can create experiences that nurture their growth and curiosity. One surprising yet beneficial element in this journey is herbs. Not only do they enhance flavor, but they also provide essential nutrients. Many young children initially shy away from herbs, but introducing them through engaging sensory activities can spark curiosity and encourage kids to explore new tastes. If you're unsure about how to do this, here are some enjoyable sensory ideas to get children excited about herbs: 🌿 Herb Memory Game: Kids match herb cards to their descriptions, enhancing memory and knowledge. 👃 Smelling Activity: Kids sniff various herbs and share their impressions, gradually learning to recognize scents. 👅 Tasting Experience: Kids taste herbs while pinching their noses to discover how it alters their perception of flavor. 🥗 Everyday Herbs: Incorporate herbs into daily meals to promote awareness of sustainable ingredients and foster appreciation for healthy flavors. While these activities are fun, it’s crucial to encourage children to eat healthily and try new foods. It's equally important for us to explore their experiences with food and create enriching moments that lay the groundwork for a healthier relationship with food, leading to a brighter future. Our purpose, “People, Planet, Pleasure,” inspires us to promote holistic development for all generations. Together, let’s celebrate World Children's Day by spreading a love for healthy living and eating among our children! #isiinsights #WorldChildrensDay 

Dublin Done Right: Our Eurosense Highlights 🌍 The suitcases are unpacked, and day-to-day life is in full swing again, but our team is still energized from all the excitement at last week’s Eurosense!  We touched down to classic Irish weather—rain and wind—but nothing could dampen the mood. It was an incredible experience, packed with innovative ideas, insightful conversations, and inspiring exchanges. Here are our highlights: 1️⃣ We finally unveiled our new corporate identity to a broader audience, with our exhibition stand and merch showcasing the design and we’re more than happy with the overwhelmingly positive feedback we received! ❤️ 2️⃣ As always Eurosense was the perfect place to explore new tools, methods, and cutting-edge products, and this year was no exception. We had the chance to try out new products and engage in meaningful discussions with both new and long-time friends and partners.  3️⃣ But it wasn’t all business! We had a blast at the “Dine and Dance” conference dinner on the second evening at The Guinness Storehouse, where the lively atmosphere was filled with laughter and great Irish beer 🍻. The perfect mix of fun and networking! To everyone we met in Dublin, and all the new faces we’ll see at the next conference—we can’t wait to (re)connect in Oslo and we’re already looking forward to what’s in store. See you there!  #isiinsights #eurosense #dublin    Elisa Träger, Dr. Dag Piper, Joachim Haag, Robert Möslein 

Last week our isi team wrapped up an inspiring two-day sprint with the team at 33A, leaving everyone energized with fresh ideas and new perspectives. The 33A AI Design Sprint™ Methodology proved to be a real game-changer. This approach goes beyond simply adopting AI; it breaks down the complexities into clear, non-technical language and demonstrates how AI can be applied to solve real-world challenges. By bringing together domain experts and tech specialists, the sprint enabled seamless collaboration to unlock the full potential of AI. One of the standout aspects of the process was how it encouraged meaningful collaboration, enabling all participants to align and focus on what truly matters. The innovation potential is immense, and the AI solutions developed during the sprint are poised to make a significant impact. Special thanks to Michael Brandt, Jörg Winterhoff & team for guiding the process, and to StartRaum Göttingen for hosting such an engaging workshop. Recognition also goes to Nils Schönsee for his efforts in driving the initiative!  Exciting times are ahead as these insights are integrated into upcoming projects. And this is just the beginning, with more AI workshops scheduled in the coming weeks. So, stay tuned for more #isiinsights! 🌟  #33a #AI #designsprint