Investigation of Japanese Onomatopoeia Tsuru-Tsuru as a Suitable Sensory Attribute for Perception of Surface Properties of Textiles by Non-Trained Individuals

Abstract

In recent years, using non-trained individuals in sensory science for analytical tasks has gained traction. Identifying attributes enabling non-experts to express perceptions is crucial for accurate fabric assessments and effective communication of product properties to consumers. This study explored the potential utility of the Japanese onomatopoeia tsuru-tsuru as a sensory attribute for evaluating fabric surface properties. Two experiments were conducted. The first ranked 16 samples to identify those eliciting the tsuru-tsuru sensation, exploring its relationship with attributes like smoothness and coolness. The second involved a detailed descriptive sensory evaluation of selected samples, examining the relationship between tsuru-tsuru, coolness, slipperiness, and hardness. Fabric preferences assessment and cluster analysis were also employed to understand individual differences in perception. Sensory assessments revealed tsuru-tsuru’s comparable performance with attributes like smoothness and slipperiness, facilitating effective sample distinction. Participants showed high agreement, indicating shared perceptions. Preferences favored fabrics with tsuru-tsuru qualities. The clustering analysis revealed participants had slightly different interpretations of tsuru-tsuru. Overall, results indicated the positive potential value of tsuru-tsuru in describing textile surfaces for non-trained individuals.