The big buzz in the tech world at the moment is touch screen technology. As a result markets are being flooded with touch screen devices and applications. But, is the current implementation of touch screen technology the future the way we want it to be?
When I look at it, the biggest problem with touch screen technology is the lack of any tactile feedback. Even my first iPhone felt disappointing compared to my friend's £10 Nokia. His phone had big clear buttons he could feel and easily use without looking at the phone.
With buttons on the phone he could answer a call, write a message and perform any number of tasks without ever having to look at the phone. Remember writing a text message at school under the desk without the teacher noticing?
My current phone has a nice idea for feedback. Some buttons, like the back button, respond with a tiny vibration. This feedbacks that an action has been recognised, and when it vibrates unexpectedly I know I've accidentally touched an icon.
Think of gaming on an iPad compared compared to a console. Consoles have controllers that can be held in the hand. When I'm playing a game I have a familiarity with the controller that means I don't need to look down into my hands. Therefore, my game paying is never distracted and I can be totally immersed in Call of Duty.
On an iPad, an attempt has been made to overcome the lack of having no controller to hold. The controls are on the screen, but having the controls on top of the game makes the experience less immersive. And, being totally immersed in the game is what makes it so enjoyable.
A rumor circulating tech blogs since the boom of the touch screen devies, is a tactile touch screen.
Tactus have recently announced working prototypes of their tactile touch screens. The solution appears as a completely unobtrusive way to provide users with a vital tactile response to their actions.
Will this make touch screens a more engaging and immersive experience?
The signs are pointed in the right direction. I'm hoping the implementation matches the idea.
Watch the video and see what you think...
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