Haptic Design Project: Exploring New Possibilities of Touch with Users

To expand new fields into society, it is not enough to simply present research outcomes. What is essential is a process of articulating and sharing their value while engaging a diverse range of people. By making still-emerging domains visible and gaining social recognition and legitimacy, they can grow into new movements.

In this article, we introduce the HAPTIC DESIGN PROJECT, an award that opened up the potential of a new field to society by integrating research and design perspectives around the theme of “haptics.”

This article has been re-edited based on the case study “HAPTIC DESIGN PROJECT” originally published by Loftwork Inc.

The HAPTIC DESIGN AWARD 2017 focused on “HAPTIC DESIGN,” an emerging design field that connects the self and the world through the sense of touch.

In 2017, the award received 116 submissions from 20 countries. Here, we present a selection of outstanding works—including the Grand Prix winner and other notable projects—featuring original outputs that directly engage bodily sensation.

https://hapticdesign.org/award/

Turning Haptics into a New Design Movement

As part of the innovation-driven R&D support program ACCEL run by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), the JST ACCEL Embodied Media Project (Principal Investigator: Susumu Tachi, Professor Emeritus at the University of Tokyo) launched the HAPTIC DESIGN PROJECT to promote the industrial application of the haptics field.

Loftwork supported this initiative from its inception. In addition to existing industry, academia, and engineering communities, the project actively engaged designers, creators, and other new players. Through initiatives such as awards and community-building efforts to foster a new generation of “haptic designers,” the project worked to elevate HAPTIC DESIGN as a movement and advance its social implementation.

Web Media

The project launched Hapticdesign.org, a web media platform featuring interviews and reports with creators who design haptic experiences.

From both research and design perspectives, the platform highlights front-runners in HAPTIC DESIGN through in-depth coverage and interview articles.

Hosting the HAPTIC DESIGN AWARD

To discover new HAPTIC DESIGNERS and connect their activities to social implementation, AWRD hosted the HAPTIC DESIGN AWARD 2017 as a platform for open entry.

As Japan’s first award dedicated to the theme of haptics, it received 116 ideas during an approximately three-month submission period.

Related Links
HAPTIC DESIGN AWARD – Results Announcement

Research: Defining Project Goals Through New Insights

As the kickoff to the project, all team members worked together to visualize the world they aimed to realize, the future they aspired to, and the overall scope of the initiative. In addition, a two-day workshop was held in which participants revisited and organized their own formative experiences of “touch,” sharing them with one another and collectively exploring their individual and shared perceptions of haptics.

The team also conducted interviews with external experts from a wide range of fields to research the future potential of haptics. Through this process, key challenges were identified and organized for each major stakeholder group: companies, developers, and creators.

Planning: Developing Concrete Initiatives and a Three-Year Scenario

As a first step in addressing the challenges, the project clarified goals for each stakeholder group. Possible actions were then mapped out and structured into a scenario extending three years into the future.

Execution: Creating Resonant Content and Building a Movement

The project thoroughly explored and articulated what HAPTIC DESIGN is, giving clear form to the concept. A visual identity (VI) expressing its worldview was developed, along with carefully defined language to communicate its meaning.

The project planned and hosted HAPTIC DESIGN CAMP, an event aimed at building a community that learns from creators who design haptic experiences and nurtures a new generation of haptic designers.

​​Participants learned about the latest approaches to haptic design from front-runners in the field and then used a variety of readily available tactile materials to prototype new ideas.

Integrating Initiatives to Maximize Impact

Because the initiatives needed to be implemented within a short timeframe, strategies were designed to achieve the project’s goals both effectively and efficiently. Each initiative was closely coordinated and integrated, aiming to generate strong synergy effects.

Like the HAPTIC DESIGN PROJECT featured here, AWRD provides platforms for discovering the potential of emerging fields and expanding value through co-creation between companies and research institutions. We invite you to explore similar initiatives and learn more about how AWRD can be utilized.

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