Kano’s satisfaction model applied to External Preference Mapping : a new way to handle non linear relationships between hedonic evaluations and product characteristics

In order to deal with non linear dependence relationships between sensory characteristics and hedonic appreciation, we applied Kano’s model (1984) to External Preference Mapping methodology. By considering separately satisfaction and dissatisfaction, we proposed to classify the sensory attributes according to Kano’s typology. We identify attributes that contribute only to satisfaction, those which contribute only to dissatisfaction and those which contribute to both. Therefore, this new information for each key sensory attributes leads to more straightforward recommendations for Development and Marketing departments.