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Chapter
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Tactile Interaction by Ben Challis.
T
he following chapter describes a variety of ways in which Tactile Interaction may be used to enhance the human computer interface, i.e. the design
of interactive products. Opening with a general discussion on a broad range of potential applications for Tactile Interaction, the chapter quickly moves onto to consider the key physical, perceptual and technological issues that are likely to influence the ways in which we can tap into this potentially rich source of interaction. A broad range of research topics are visited along the way with suggestions being offered for the fundamental design principles that should be considered within any interface that seeks to harness some level of tactile interaction.
20.1  Introduction Let us consider why we might be interested in exploring tactile interaction within the design process at all? After all, is it not generally the visual channel that features most prominently within any given interface? In terms of display and feed-