TactDeform Paper Accepted at CHI 2026

Our latest work on immersive tactile feedback, "TactDeform: Finger Pad Deformation Inspired Spatial Tactile Feedback for Virtual Geometry Exploration", has been accepted as a full paper at CHI 2026!

Led by PhD student Yihao Dong, this research pushes the boundaries of how we perceive virtual objects in VR.

Innovation in Haptics

Traditional haptic devices often struggle to convey the nuanced feeling of exploring complex geometries. TactDeform takes inspiration from the way our own finger pads deform when we touch physical surfaces. By mimicking these deformation patterns through precisely controlled tactile cues, the system allows users to "feel" the shape, curvature, and spatial details of virtual objects with unprecedented realism.

Impact

• Enhanced Spatial Awareness: Users reported a much higher level of confidence and accuracy when identifying virtual shapes using TactDeform compared to standard vibrotactile methods.
• Intuitive Exploration: The system bridges the gap between digital and physical interaction, making VR environments feel more "tangible."
• Next-Gen Interfaces: This work paves the way for a new generation of wearable haptic devices that leverage biological principles for better performance.

Congratulations to Yihao and the team on this significant achievement! We can't wait to demonstrate TactDeform at CHI 2026 in Barcelona.

Read more on our Publications page or via DOI.