In the context of interaction with devices or interfaces, this refers to the use of technology to provide tactile sensations to the user.
Haptic technology, haptic feedback, or simply haptics, is a technology that incorporates tactile experience or feedback as part of its user interface, creating a sense of touch through vibrations, motion, or other forces.
Background
The word haptics originates from the Greek words haptesthai and haptikos (meaning “to touch”) and it pertains to both perceptions of touch (or tactile feedback) and force (kinesthetic feedback).
Haptic technologies were first developed and introduced in the 1970s. Most individuals may have experienced some form of haptic feedback in video games that make motion response part of the gaming experience.
Haptic technology is being developed to allow individuals with disabilities to receive tactile feedback from phones and tablets, such as smartphone interfaces that allow users to “feel” buttons as they scroll over the flat surface; digital photo features that allow users to detect faces or orientation by producing a textural quality in the interface; or even a braille-like sensation over letters in text messages or web pages that users can easily feel.
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