Sensory Perception & Interaction Research Group

Designers of human-computer interfaces often overlook issues of affect. An example illustrating the importance of affective design is the frustration many of us feel when working with a poorly designed computing device. Redesigning such computing interfaces to induce more pleasant user emotional responses would improve the user's health and productivity. Almost no research has been conducted to explore affective responses in rendered haptic interfaces. In this paper, we describe results and analysis from two user studies as a starting point for future systematic evaluation and design of rendered physical controls. Specifically, we compare and contrast self-report and biometric measurement techniques for two common types of haptic interactions. First, we explore the tactility of real textures such as silk, putty, and acrylic. Second, we explore the kinesthetics of physical control renderings such as friction and inertia. We focus on evaluation methodology, on the premise that good affect evaluation and analysis cycles can be a useful element of the interface designer's tool palette.