A user-derived mapping for mid-air haptic experiences

Mid-air haptic stimulation can enrich user experience during human-computer interaction. However, the design space of such stimuli is large due to the number and range of stimulation parameters. It therefore remains difficult for designers to select a stimulus to induce an intended experience. We derive a mapping for mid-air experiences based on two user studies. In the first study, participants rated 36 stimuli varied across three parameters (frequency, pattern, and repetitions). These ratings allowed us to determine a set of five experientially distinct stimuli. In the second study, participants vocalized their experiences with those five stimuli. This allows us to generate a mapping of 17 sensations and 23 experiences related to the stimuli. Finally, we discuss how the mapping can inform designers and researchers working with mid-air haptic technologies.