Touching the Arts in

the Everyday
The Elements of
Tactile/ Haptic
Experiences
 Fine Touch (or discriminative touch) is a sensory modality that
allows us to sense and localize touch.

 Crude Touch (or non-discriminative touch) is a sensory

modality that allows us to sense that something has touched us,
without being able to localize where we were touch.
 Somatosensory Cortex encodes incoming sensory information
from receptors all over the body.

 Affective Touch is a type of sensory information that elicits an

emotional reaction and is usually social in nature, such as a
physical human touch.
 What is Tactile/Haptic
Experience?
 Tactile or haptic experience refers to the sense of touch
and the sensations associated with physical interaction.
 In various fields, including design, technology, and
psychology, understanding and enhancing tactile
experiences is crucial.
 Here are some elements of tactile/haptic experience:
 Texture:
Surface Texture: The feel of a surface, whether it's smooth, rough, soft,
or hard, greatly influences the tactile experience. Surface textures can evoke
different sensations and emotions.
 Temperature:
Warmth/Coolness: The temperature of an object or surface can impact
the perceived comfort and appeal. For example, a warm and cozy surface
might be more inviting than a cold one.
 Shape and Form:
Contour and Shape: The physical form of an object affects how it feels
in the hand. Smooth, rounded edges may be more comfortable than sharp or
jagged ones.
Weight and Density:
Heaviness/Lightness: The weight of an object contributes to the haptic
experience. Heavier objects might feel more substantial or valuable, while
lighter ones can feel more delicate.

Vibration and Motion:

Vibrational Feedback: Controlled vibrations can enhance the tactile
experience. This is common in technologies like smartphones or gaming
controllers, providing feedback through vibrations.

Compliance and Resistance:

Softness/Hardness: The degree of softness or hardness in materials
contributes to the haptic experience. For example, a soft pillow provides a
different tactile experience than a hard wooden chair.
 Elasticity and Flexibility:
Flexibility and Stretch: Materials that can stretch or flex can provide a
dynamic and engaging tactile experience. This is common in products like
elastic bands or certain types of clothing.
 Surface Friction:
Slipperiness/Grip: The level of friction on a surface affects how it feels
to touch and handle. This is particularly relevant in products like
smartphones or computer mice.
 Feedback and Response:
Tactile Feedback: Responsive feedback when interacting with a device
or object enhances the user experience. For example, the click of a button or
the resistance in a joystick.
 Material Selection:
Material Quality: The choice of materials, such as metals, plastics, fabrics, or
natural materials, contributes significantly to the tactile experience.

 Size and Ergonomics:

Fit in Hand: The size and ergonomics of an object impact how comfortably it
can be held and manipulated.

 Surface Finishes:
Polish, Matte, Glossy: Different surface finishes can create varied tactile
experiences. A polished surface may feel smooth and sleek, while a matte
finish might feel more textured.
 Understanding and optimizing these elements can lead to the creation of
products and environments that offer rich and satisfying tactile
experiences. Whether in product design, virtual reality, or everyday
objects, considering these factors contributes to a more holistic and
enjoyable user experience.
Any Question?
Thank You!