Tactile Interaction

The following chapter describes a variety of ways in which Tactile Interaction may be used to enhance the human computer interface, i.e. the design of interactive products. Opening with a general discussion on a broad range of potential applications for Tactile Interaction, the chapter quickly moves onto to consider the key physical, perceptual and technological issues that are likely to influence the ways in which we can tap into this potentially rich source of interaction. A broad range of research topics are visited along the way with suggestions being offered for the fundamental design principles that should be considered within any interface that seeks to harness some level of tactile interaction.