mHIVE: A WYFIWIF design tool

Summary form only given, as follows. Current haptic design tools are inadequate for the increasing expectations of haptic feedback. Designers are disconnected from both their designs and their end-users, relying on programming languages or GUI tools that limit hands-on exploration and the elicitation of feedback. Haptic instruments are a new type of tool for haptic designers aimed at bridging these gaps. Inspired by the musical kind, they provide real-time feedback over a parameterized sensation, and use multiple output displays to create a “what-you-feel-is-what-I-feel” interface to improve communication. mHIVE is a first instance that lets designers dynamically control vibrotactile actuators with a touch-screen tablet and, through dual outputs, facilitates communication and rapid feedback and assessment. In this demo, you can try mHIVE and explore this new class of tool. Let us know what you think, and inspire us with future designs for and possible uses of haptic instruments!