The Value of Haptics

A summary of recent published findings on the value of haptic feedback in human-computer interaction

A key advantage of computer-driven interfaces is the flexibility provided by a programmable, dynamic display. A single touch panel can replace many mechanical buttons, switches, and knobs, and provide increased communication with the user. But the transition from mechanical knobs, switches, and dials to electronic controls poses a challenge to interface designers: the expected tactile cues aren’t there.

As the scientific studies reviewed in this white paper show, haptics provides several benefits for human-machine interaction (HMI), including improved:

• Efficiency
• Error rate
• User satisfaction

This paper categorizes the published findings as follows:

Quantitative Task Performance.

It is possible to directly measure the performance gains associated with haptic feedback.

Absence of Tactile Feedback.

Researchers have investigated how removing tactile feedback affects user performance.

Multimodal Feedback.

Several publications document performance gains when haptic feedback is combined with sight and sound.

User Satisfaction.

A common observation in many objective studies is that users prefer haptic interfaces over nonhaptic ones.

Non-visual Interaction.

Findings from several studies show that a key advantage of haptic interfaces is that users can effectively communicate without visual feedback.

Other Benefits.

As a unique bi-directional communications channel, touch provides benefits that are either impossible or extremely difficult to produce without it.

Download the Value of Haptics white paper