Developing Lexicons: A Review

Abstract Lexicons are standardized vocabularies that facilitate communication across diverse audiences. Lexicons undergo two stages (preparation and development). Lexicon preparation includes selecting suitable panelists who are highly trained and capable of describing the product category, selecting samples that represent the entire product space, and developing protocols that panelists systematically follow when creating the lexicon. The development stage includes reviewing protocols before evaluation ensues, generating terms and definitions that describe the products, selecting references that clarify the terms, reviewing examples to further train the panel on important attributes, and finalizing the lexicon. Examples of published lexicons exist for foods, beverages, home care products, personal care products and fragrances. Publishing lexicons is beneficial because it promotes standardization of sensory vocabulary across multiple panels, companies and countries. Ideally, a published lexicon has the complete list of products from which it was developed, all attribute terms, definitions for every attribute and references for every attribute. Practical Applications Sensory analysts working with trained descriptive panels need well defined and documented words to consistently and correctly describe products of interest. These lexicons provide a tool for communication within the panel and allow sensory analysts to communicate with product developers, marketing professionals and suppliers. Ultimately the terminology provides a basis for understanding the differences among products in a category and is the basis for designing consumer research questionnaires. Lexicons are prominent in the sensory literature. Synthesizing these publications and establishing best practices for lexicon development promotes consistency and reproducibility across the field of sensory science. Review of existing lexicons reveals criteria for successful and useful versions. As globalization spreads modern‐day businesses to new locations, consistency in sensory evaluation becomes increasingly important to establish the success of product development.