Function Follows Form: Using the Aesthetic Association Principle to Enhance Haptic Interface Design

Abstract

Novel tangible user interface technologies facilitate current trends toward seamless user interfaces. They enable the design of yet unseen interfaces and thus the creation of a new kind of haptic language. In order to use the benefits of a touch-and-feel design for a positive user experience, carefully designed haptic feedback plays an important role by providing aesthetically pleasing and sustainable product features. Haptic feedback may exceed mere acquiring of buttons and input-confirmation but enable orientation and even identification of functionality governed by the haptic impression. We employed the aesthetic association principle as a deeply grounded psychological mechanism that assists effective linkage between haptic form factors and associated functional attributes. In order to illustrate this powerful principle, we analyzed the specific associations between certain main haptic surface qualities and associated functional aspects. In a series of three subsequent studies (Pre-Study 1: perception, Pre-Study 2: similarity, and Main Study: association), we explored paradigmatic associations of that kind to develop guidelines which forms are distinct to be used in interfaces. We show how forms are implicitly categorized into functional qualities (on/off, more-less, selection), using a multidimensional scaling procedure and explore explicit form-functionality associations, using a think-aloud method in the context of an automotive interface. For a series of forms, we revealed clear associative relations to specific functions. We will discuss the general value and opportunities of an association-based approach to user experience in order to create intuitive user interfaces. We will also develop ideas for specific areas of applications.

Future Convergences: Time Matters

“…However, this also means that they often have to switch between different manipulation interfaces and adapt to new perceptive experiences. Breitschaft and Carbon (2021) discussed the "Need for High-Quality Haptic Feeling" in the digital era, pointing out that: Although modern technology allows the widespread usage of touch screens, a seamless flat-panel interface makes it hard for users to establish a strong connection between their sense of touch and the product's functions [19]. Therefore, using appropriate design to help users connect with the function of a product by generating intuitive responses through haptic perception should be an important issue in the current design field.…”

The Haptic Fidelity Framework: A Qualitative Overview and Categorization of Cutaneous-Based Haptic Technologies Through Fidelity

“…Our proposed clustering prioritizes what users believe they feel rather than exploring neuroscience or technical features. While a technical and physical understanding of a technologies' perceptual impact is essential for integrating an actuator into a device, it is even more important to convey compelling haptic experiences to users [10] Psychological factors, such as experience, context, and task demand [22], [23], [24], [10], [125] need to be considered in how a user perceives haptic feedback. Our fidelity-based categorization aids practitioners with different backgrounds and levels of expertise and supports the matching of haptic requirements to actuator effects.…”

Motivation and Application of Haptic Systems

“…Carbon and Jakesch published a comprehensive approach based on object properties and the assessment of familiarities [23]. This topic still remains a fascinating field of research for interdisciplinary teams from engineering and psychology and is applied to regular product design [24].…”