The haptic profile: capturing the feel of switches

The "feel" of a switch depends not only on the dynamics of the switch itself, but also on the motion and dynamics of the human hand that actuates it. We have measured dynamic quantities during human actuation of a switch. We present a graphical representation technique called the "haptic profile" which emphasizes aspects of the feel of a switch as it is actuated, while minimizing the variability due to human actuation. When designing new switches, it is important to have the ability to specify, measure, and then verify the haptic properties of a switch. In order to do so, quantitative measures are required; qualitative descriptors of the haptic experience are insufficient. In this paper, we discuss the motivation and an apparatus for collecting the necessary haptic data.