Publications

2026

1. The Influence of Single Parameter Changes on Subjective Experience and Ordering Performance of Electrotactile Cues

   Patrizia Di Campli San Vito, Yosuef Alotaibi, and Stephen Brewster

   2026

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   Electrotactile haptics is a novel form of skin stimulation. It is versatile and allows manipulation of many design parameters, broadening the range of haptic experiences. However, how parameter changes influence qualitative experiences is not well understood. We systematically investigated (n=45) the influence of single parameter changes (e.g. pulse width, amplitude), capturing the breadth of experiences elicited. We compared differences between calibration and ordering task performance, first between left and right hands, then between single and both hands simultaneously, all with open hand and while holding an object, fully exploring the design space. Results showed the wide range of qualitative experience, from concrete to abstract. Calibration should be performed on both hands simultaneously to ensure perception, as participants preferred lower pulse width values for simulation on both hands as compared to each hand alone. The results present the first detailed exploration into the qualitative aspects of electrotactile stimulation across the hands. CCS Concepts: • Human-centered computing → Haptic devices.

2. Linear vs Logarithmic Scaling for Ordering of Electrotactile Cues

   Patrizia Di Campli San Vito

   2026

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   Electrotactile feedback is versatile and research is mounting on how to practically use the modality. Most work investigating distinguishable parameter levels of electrotactile cues used linearly scaled levels, yet sensing often follows a logarithmic scale. In our work we directly compared linear and logarithmic scaling for electrotactile cues in an ordering task. Our results found that while correct ordering was slightly better with logarithmic scaling, this was not statistically significant. These results contribute to the discussion around how to best choose values for electrotactile cue presentation.

2022

1. First Steps Towards Designing Electrotactons: Investigating Intensity and Pulse Frequency as Parameters for Electrotactile Cues

   Yosuef Alotaibi, John H Williamson, and Stephen Anthony Brewster

   In Proceedings of the 2022 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, 2022

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   Electrotactile stimulation is a novel form of haptic feedback. There is little work investigating its basic design parameters and how they create effective tactile cues. This paper describes two experiments that extend our knowledge of two key parameters. The first investigated the combination of pulse width and amplitude (Intensity) on sensations of urgency, annoyance, valence and arousal. Results showed significant effects: increasing Intensity caused higher ratings of urgency, annoyance and arousal but reduced valence. We established clear levels for differentiating each sensation. A second study then investigated Intensity and Pulse Frequency to find out how many distinguishable levels could be perceived. Results showed that both Intensity and Pulse Frequency significantly affected perception, with four distinguishable levels of Intensity and two of Pulse Frequency. These results add significant new knowledge about the parameter space of electrotactile cue design and help designers select suitable properties to use when creating electrotactile cues.

2020

1. Investigating Electrotactile Feedback on The Hand

   Yosuef Alotaibi, John H Williamson, and Stephen Brewster

   In 2020 IEEE Haptics Symposium (HAPTICS), 2020

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