Six packages were tested and randomized. The first three packages were tested according to the TS
method, while the other three packages were tested according to the extended test method for satisfaction.
The test packages, described in Table 3, were all everyday commodities and represented a variety
of materials, designs and closure principles.
Each test session started with the TS method for three randomized packages. After testing the
first three packages, panellists were asked to grade their satisfaction with each package. When testing
the next three packages, the extended test method for satisfaction was used. All respondents
followed this procedure; that is, all respondents performed the test according to the TS’s specification
followed by the extended test method for satisfaction. The test leader met each panellist individually,
introduced the test, presented a package and gave a use scenario, before the panellist
opened the package. During the session, the test leader filled out the test protocol, noted the time
and deviations, such as spillage and whether the package was torn, while the panellist graded the
package’s handling.
The test continued with the extended method for the next three packages. The same handling
elements were repeated. The expanded test protocol was used, in which the panellist graded each handling
element separately on a smiley scale and, at the end, gave an overall judgement of the handling.
The test sessions lasted between 30 and 50 min.