Paper short abstract:

In a research with sensory analysts and flavourists, I tried other ways of interview (e.g. people auto-confrontations to their own registered activity) and other mediums to relate the ethnographical work, as graphic novel.

Paper long abstract:

Sensory research could have (at least) two acceptations. The first one concerns the senses as a thematic field of research, or as a major element of the research issue. The second one is more related to using other sensory means to collect and share experiences and thoughts than usual visual observations and textual transcripts of inquiries. Both of these signification of 'sensory research' turn around the difficulties to go beyond classical approaches. Research activities on senses have a quite long history in anthropology, and have been developed in STS for some years now, even if the first option has been more run through than the second one. I claim here for sensory research by other means, that is to say exploiting creatively all the array of opportunities we have to think the senses and their sociability. Method is understood here not just as a toolbox or recipe application, but as a tailored research process to fit to specific issue.

The talk is about the methodological options used during a research on sensory analysis in food industry. I worked on the skills and abilities of accustomed tasters to work in a professional community and to share efficiently personal sensory experiences. Confronted to sensory analysts and flavourists, I tried other ways of interview (e.g. people auto-confrontations to their own registered activity) and other devices to tell the ethnographical work, as graphic novel.