Handling subjective product properties in engineering, food and fashion

Abstract : While many product properties can be tested objectively, others are subjective, but no less important. This paper compares how the testing of subjective properties is handled across industry sectors. Engineering companies typically try to break these properties down into measurable aspects of the product, but refer to the judgement of test engineers for emergent properties. By contrast the fashion industry sees the assessment of subjective properties a core competence of designers. The food industry also tries to measure objective properties, but relies heavily on user and expert panels