New technologies such as touchscreens have enhanced the user experience in cars, but these experiences suffer in relation to mechanical switches when it comes to providing the tactile feedback that drivers need to be able to operate these controls without taking their eyes off the road. Haptics (the science of touch) has evolved beyond simple “vibration” effects to enable a wide range of customizable “feelings” in touchscreens, console buttons, sliding controls, and surfaces. This new “machine-to-human” communication capability will revolutionize the user experience in vehicles.

In this session, you will learn about:

• Driver response times comparing mechanical switches with touchscreens
• How haptics technology has evolved beyond slow “vibration” effects (moving a mass) to the unique full spectrum, rapid response offered by piezoelectric materials
• The advantages (and challenges) of integrating 3rd generation, piezo-based haptics
• How to customize haptic effects to precisely mimic the feel of mechanical switches while retaining the flexibility to delight users with effects based on the user’s context
• Where to find information to start your journey using 3rd generation haptics