A Study on Haptic Actuators to Improve the User Experience of Automotive Touchscreen Interfaces

This paper presents a novel analysis of haptic actuators for touchscreen interfaces within the automotive industry. The research, distinct from existing studies, aims to identify the most suitable actuators for delivering effective and efficient haptic feedback, focusing on practical implications. Six experts reviewed three haptic effects and four actuators, providing qualitative feedback on force, quality, reactivity, and duration using a 7-point Likert scale. The test was conducted in a car-simulated environment with a car seat and a central touchscreen display. The four actuators were positioned behind the touchscreen display, each connected to separate control modules communicating via serial interface with the computer managing the Graphic User Interface. This research provides practical insights into choosing haptic actuators for automotive touchscreen interfaces, focusing on enhancing user experience and feedback. The findings can be directly applied to enhance car haptic feedback systems, improving safety, user engagement, and driving experiences.