A visual interface to visualise touch on complex surfaces in real-time from 11mrd’s touch sensitive packaging prototype.

This paper packaging prototype serves as a probe to figure out how product packages are being used. Sensors and electronics are not recognisable by looking and touching the probe. The materials used are very similar to the those of original packaging. The tactile data gathered by the probes is mapped on a virtual 3D model of the packaging. It offers easy access to information and makes the data interpretable in an intuitive way.

With tactile data, the design can be evaluated in terms of ergonomic and usability factors, to create truly universally designed products and packaging. Compared to observations and interviews, using tactile data offers objective results at a fraction of cost and complexity.

Decoding user behaviour to generate ideas and design concepts, connecting insights to design, envisioning social inclusion! capturing user behaviour to gain in-depth knowledge about the use of products in-situ. Developing and fine tuning a technology which enables measurement and visualisation of human touch on complex surfaces. This technology helps to understand user behaviour and how objects and products are used in an objective manner. With the results from these studies, designs could be improved and help to make better products for broader user groups.