An evaluation of haptic feedback modelling during industrial design practice

Whilst new technologies in designing and rapid prototyping offer demonstrable benefits, their use can remove the potential for the designer to actively engage in the definition of form through tactile interaction with a physical material (as when working with foam or clay). This paper investigates the use of a haptic feedback device to facilitate interaction with virtual geometry and provide the designer with tactile cues during product modelling. The study concludes that limitations in the modelling capabilities of commercial haptic feedback technology restrict its ability to make a significant contribution to industrial design practice.