Title: Modelling tactual experience with product materials

Authors: Georgi V. Georgiev; Yukari Nagai; Toshiharu Taura

Addresses: Organization of Advanced Science and Technology, Kobe University, 1-1, Rokkodai-cho, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan ' School of Knowledge Science, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 1-1 Asahidai, Nomi, Ishikawa 923-1292, Japan ' Organization of Advanced Science and Technology, Kobe University, 1-1, Rokkodai-cho, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan

Abstract: The tactility of product materials is a fundamental consideration in product design. This study proposes a method and tools for assessing tactile interaction based on user impressions; furthermore, investigates how users form impressions of product materials. This study develops a method to assess tactility in interactions with materials, focusing on associations behind explicit user impressions of these interactions. The method was tested experimentally and the characteristics of these in-depth impressions explained the formation of user impressions. The specified concepts in connection with the whole concept of product material can elucidate the successful tactile interface between users and products. The materials in product design should, therefore, be selected bearing these considerations in mind. The method provides directions for the systematisation and modelling of tactual experience in computational tools to aid material selection. Furthermore, the method will improve designers' and engineers' selection and implementation of materials in products.

Keywords: user experience; product experience; tactual experience; tactile experience; tactility; product materials; tactual properties; associations; in-depth impressions; materials selection; product design; user perceptions; materials interaction; tactile interface; modelling; tactile properties.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCAET.2016.073266

International Journal of Computer Aided Engineering and Technology, 2016 Vol.8 No.1/2, pp.144 - 163

Published online: 30 Nov 2015 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article