SensoryMetrics

Some product switches frustrate their users by being difficult to use because they lack tactile feedback. Did you turn it on? If you have to look at the switch to see if it’s on or off, chances are it’s missing that important haptic component. Feedback through touch is an important component that seems to be increasingly factored out of new electronic design (the iPhone only has a smooth surface). The new paradigm is ‘touch plus see’ for feedback. For the visually impaired the smooth screen touch interface probably isn’t too bad if it at least supports ‘touch plus hear’ for feedback if not ‘touch plus feel’.

Imagine the requirements list for the iPod on/off button design:

• Must not be easily turned on/off when it’s in your pocket.
• Must be sleek and match the iPod’s design.
• Must not cost too much to make.
• Must be easy to use.
• Must clearly indicate when it’s on or off.

Their solution isn’t that bad. It does provide some tactile feedback, but it’s only by the slimmest of margins. I struggle to interact with it (lack of long nails). This product was clearly aimed at a young audience and not at anyone that has difficulty seeing the button or using their fingers to move it.

Tiny haptic feedback is the norm with Apple buttons. Take the on/off switch on the iMac, you push it, but you can hardly feel that you’ve done so. Same with the click on the wired mighty mouse, the difference between a click and not a click is barely noticeable via the sensation of touch.

Tags: haptic, tactile-feedback, Apple, switch

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