Become aHaptic Technology Designer

Become a champion of the digital age! As a Haptic Technology Designer, you have the power to transform ordinary interactions into extraordinary experiences. From gaming and virtual reality to healthcare and education, your creations can make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.

• Design technology that brings virtual worlds to life.
• Create touch sensations for games, VR, and apps.
• Innovate in fields like medicine, gaming, and robotics.
• Make digital experiences feel real with tactile feedback.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to design and develop haptic feedback systems that simulate the sense of touch. Whether it’s creating realistic sensations in virtual environments or enhancing the usability of touchscreen devices, you’ll be pushing the boundaries of technology to create immersive experiences for users.

In their work with VR and AR, Haptic Technology Designers will use technology to create touch control, touch sensing, and motion tracking that realistically mirrors life. A big part of this process will be manipulating ultrasound waves using algorithms. The ultrasound waves will be condensed in microscopic buttons and arranged so that the buttons can be felt.  

This haptic technology can be added to holographic projections, making that long-distance hug a possibility. Or haptic technology could be used to make online shopping more like the in-person experience, allowing the shopper to virtually try on clothes to check for fit and feel without having to leave the comfort of their own home. 

Haptic Technology Designers could work in any number of fields including entertainment, communication, business, medicine, and education. Anywhere where holographic, VR or AR technology can be applied so too can haptic technology.

Welcome to a world of endless possibilities! As a Haptic Technology Designer, you can lend your expertise to a variety of industries seeking innovative solutions to enhance user experiences.

• Gaming
• Virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR)
• Healthcare
• Automotive
• Education
• Entertainment

Gear up with essential skills to embark on your journey as a Haptic Technology Designer.

• Programming
• Creativity
• Problem-solving
• Attention to detail
• Technical aptitude

Prepare for your adventure in Haptic Technology Design by mastering key subjects that lay the foundation for success.

Computer Science

Understand the fundamentals of programming and software development.

Engineering

Learn about electronics, mechanics, and materials science to design haptic systems.

Mathematics

Develop your analytical skills for problem-solving and algorithm development.

Design and Technology

Explore principles of design and prototyping to bring your ideas to life.

Create Realistic Touch Feedback for VR Games

Design and test haptic systems that let players feel textures, resistance, and vibrations, making virtual reality games feel as real as possible, like touching a tree bark or feeling the wind.

Develop Wearable Haptic Devices

Work on wearable gadgets that simulate physical sensations, like a jacket that lets you feel the beats of your favourite music or gloves that let you “touch” virtual objects.

Collaborate with Robotics Engineers

Team up with robotics experts to integrate haptic feedback into robotic prosthetics, helping users feel sensations like grip strength or temperature, transforming their daily experiences.

Experiment with Sensory Effects for Movies

Design haptic effects for movies and entertainment experiences, creating seat vibrations, rumble effects, and immersive soundscapes that make the audience feel like they’re part of the action.

Test Haptic Feedback in Medical Simulations

Develop and test haptic systems for medical training tools, allowing doctors to practise surgeries with realistic tactile feedback, improving their skills without needing a real patient.

Innovate New Tools for Digital Art

Create innovative tools for digital artists that use haptics, like pens that change texture and resistance based on the canvas material, allowing artists to “feel” their work as they create.

Dr. Flora Salim

A researcher at RMIT University, Dr. Salim works on human-centred computing and interactive technologies. Her research includes developing smart environments and human-computer interaction techniques, which often intersect with haptic technology design to create more intuitive interfaces.

Dr. Tara Murphy

An Associate Professor in the School of Information Technologies at the University of Sydney, Dr. Murphy explores novel computing methods and data science applications that include haptic feedback systems, enhancing user experiences in digital environments.

Dr. Yvonne Rogers

A leader in human-computer interaction, Dr. Rogers has contributed to the development of technology that enhances tactile and sensory engagement. Although she is currently based in the UK, her work and influence extend globally, including Australia, where her research on interactive experiences has inspired many in the field.

Jasmine Appleroth

Co-founder of Sensilab at Monash University, Jasmine works on projects involving haptics and interactive media. Her focus is on developing tools and methods that bridge the digital and physical worlds, creating more immersive and engaging user experiences.

A Haptic Technology Designer needs to be equipped with the right mix of personality traits to drive innovation and creativity.

• Creative
• Innovative
• Curious
• Detail-oriented
• Persistent

Your adventure begins where creativity meets cutting-edge technology! Imagine enrolling in a degree program that feels like a journey into the future. Think Mechatronics Engineering, Interactive Media, or Human-Computer Interaction. These aren’t just classes; they’re your launchpad to designing the next generation of tactile digital experiences, where you’ll blend art and science to make virtual worlds come alive with the power of touch.

Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronics or Electrical Engineering): Start with a degree in Mechatronics or Electrical Engineering to gain a strong foundation in robotics, electronics, and sensory technology. Universities like Curtin University in Western Australia offer programs in Mechatronics Engineering that provide hands-on experience in designing systems that interact with the physical world, including haptic feedback mechanisms.

Bachelor of Computer Science (Human-Computer Interaction): Pursue a degree in Computer Science with a focus on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) to learn how to create interfaces that effectively use touch, vibration, and motion feedback. The University of Western Australia (UWA) offers programs that delve into software development, virtual reality, and user experience, equipping you with the skills to develop interactive applications with advanced haptic features.

Master’s in Interactive Media or Immersive Technology: A master’s degree in fields like Interactive Media or Immersive Technology can provide specialised knowledge in designing multisensory digital experiences. Programs like the Master of Creative Arts at Edith Cowan University (ECU) in WA focus on emerging technologies, creative coding, and experiential design, giving you the creative and technical expertise needed for a career in haptic technology.

Graduate Certificate in Human-Centred Design or Experience Design: Shorter postgraduate programs, such as those offered by Murdoch University in Perth, WA, focus on user experience design and human-centred technology. These courses help you understand how to create devices and interfaces that are intuitive, engaging, and responsive to touch.

But wait, here’s where it gets really exciting! You can combine these degrees to create your own unique path to becoming a Haptic Technology Designer. Blend Computer Science with Engineering to master the technical aspects of haptic feedback systems. Mix Design with Psychology to understand user behaviour and create intuitive interfaces. With interdisciplinary studies, the possibilities are endless!

During your studies, you’ll unlock a treasure trove of knowledge and skills:

Haptic Technology Fundamentals

Understand the principles of haptic feedback and tactile perception.

Programming Languages

Learn languages like C++, Python, and MATLAB for haptic interface development.

User Experience Design

Master the art of designing intuitive and engaging user interfaces.

Electronics and Robotics

Gain hands-on experience with sensors, actuators, and robotic systems for haptic feedback.

But what about getting hands-on experience? Work experience is your golden ticket to real-world adventure! Seek internships at tech companies, participate in design competitions, or even start your own haptic technology project. Every experience will help you grow into a confident and capable Haptic Technology Designer!

Internships with Tech Companies or Research Labs: Gain practical experience by interning with tech companies or research labs that focus on robotics, virtual reality, or interactive design. Organisations such as CSIRO’s Data61 or WA Data Science Innovation Hub may offer opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects involving haptic technology.

Collaborate with Innovation Hubs and Startup Accelerators: Engage with local innovation hubs or startup accelerators like Spacecubed in Perth, WA, which support tech entrepreneurs and offer networking opportunities with industry leaders who are innovating in fields like immersive technology and digital design.

University isn’t the only path to becoming a Haptic Technology Designer. Here are some different pathways:

Certifications in Robotics, Virtual Reality, or Sensory Design: Consider certifications from online platforms like Coursera or edX that focus on robotics, virtual reality, or sensory design. These courses can teach you the essentials of haptic feedback, tactile sensors, and their applications in various industries, from gaming to healthcare.

Workshops in Creative Technology and Digital Art: Participate in workshops hosted by organisations like the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA), which often offer sessions on creative technology, interactive installations, and the use of sensory effects in digital media.

Join Technology and Design Communities: Get involved with local tech meetups, such as the Perth VR/AR Association, or join online communities like the Australian Haptics Network to stay connected with others in the field, share ideas, and collaborate on projects.

Attend Tech and Design Conferences: Participate in events like the WiTWA Tech+ Conference, West Tech Fest or Pause Fest to stay updated on the latest advancements in immersive technology, gain insights from experts, and network with potential collaborators or employers.

Micro-learning: Explore online courses and workshops focused on haptic technology, programming, and design. Learn at your own pace and build your expertise step by step.

On-the-job experience: Jump straight into the action by securing entry-level positions or apprenticeships at tech firms specialising in haptic technology. Learn from seasoned professionals and gain valuable practical skills on the job.

In the mining industry, where haptic technology is used to enhance safety and efficiency in remote operations, to the gaming sector, where immersive experiences are crafted to captivate audiences, there’s no shortage of exciting projects to dive into. Join forces with local tech companies, research institutions, and innovative startups to push the boundaries of haptic technology and make a tangible impact in diverse industries.