Multisensory modelling of wetness perception during baby hygiene absorbent products interactions

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This project will investigate and model wetness perception during baby hygiene absorbent products interactions, using a novel multisensory neuroscience approach that is based on Dr Davide Filingeri' s recent discovery of the neural mechanisms underlying human skin wetness perception. The perception of wetness is the most critical determinant of comfort and acceptability of hygiene absorbent products, amongst which baby nappies; yet we know very little on what sensory cues (i.e. visual, thermal, tactile, smell, sound) contribute to wetness perception during baby absorbent products interactions.Baby nappies are unique absorbent products, as their comfort and acceptability is primarily assessed by the baby's caregiver rather than by the wearer (i.e. the baby). This poses a major challenge to understanding what aspects of the product and of the interaction between carer and baby can be improved, to reduce wetness perceptions and maximize carer and wearer's comfort during nappy changes.Using a unique mix of human sensory neuroscience applied to product engineering, the proposed research aims to:1. Quantify the individual and interactive contribution of different sensory cues (i.e. visual, thermal, tactile, smell, sound) to the perception of wetness during a standardised caregiver/baby nappy-changing scenario;2. Identify any additive, synergistic or antagonistic interaction between sensory cues;3. Develop the first empirical model of the biophysical and perceptual factors contributing to wetness perception during baby absorbent products interactions;The knowledge produced will provide novel insights on the neural mechanisms of multisensory integration in humans and will support innovation in user-centered-design and engineering of more comfortable and effective hygiene absorbent products for both babies and adults.