How do we interact with screens, buttons, switches, and ‘smart’ surfaces? Haptics, that’s how! Haptics are used to deliver rich, engaging user interaction, without having to look at the screen or surface. Haptics means literally the ability to grasp something. The term was coined by German Psychologist Max Dessoir in 1892, as a suggested name for academic research into the sense of touch—like that of acoustics and optics. That’s where haptics came from; where it’s headed was the main theme of the Grewus Interactive Haptics Conference held recently, and this week we bring you in-depth coverage of that event.
Last week, the Paris Air Show included for the first time a car’s world premiere: the Renault Rafale. The schtick was that the essence of aeronautics converges with automotive design; that the car was inspired by the finesse and fluidity of aircraft fuselages. As Renault has an aviation history, they stand astride the two worlds. This week’s Coffee Corner shows it goes both ways, with automotive haptics migrating into aircraft cabins.
Just two short months until the DVN Interior Deep Dive in San Francisco, on 29-30 August. We’re hard at work preparing to make it a grand event you won’t want to miss. Not registered yet? Sign up!
Sincerely yours,
