HCI & Tech & VC 28 Oct 2006 12:06 pm
Bring Back Mechanical Feedback
I miss mechanical feedback on the recent slew of “cutting-edge” consumer electronics (CE) devices I have used. CE designers recently have been using flat buttons with pressure actuators (non-mechanical) instead of mechanical feedback buttons because they are sleeker or sexier, but, for me, they’re just less usable.
For example, I want a volume dial on my ipod that physically moves, so I can gauge how much I am adjusting the volume using my hand instead of my ears. On my iPod 4G I have to guess-and-check my way to an appropriate volume when I am adjusting the level while not looking at the screen, like when my iPod is in my bag. If I had mechanical feedback, I could adjust the volume more accurately.
This is a subject I care about because I once worked for a gaming mouse manufacturer. I liked the concept, but hated the device because half the buttons didn’t provide adequate mechanical feedback.
This subject is on my mind because I just read an interesting article on mechanical feedback vs non-mechanical feedback devices.
(Image by splorp on Flickr)
2 Responses to “Bring Back Mechanical Feedback”

on 06 Aug 2007 at 6:20 pm 1.AaCredtCard said …
I’m thinking about getting a credit card with cash back reward program. But I don’t know if there is a trick in it. May be I will never spend enough money to be eligible for the reward. Please, give me advice. Help me with the deals at
best apr offer
on 15 Sep 2007 at 5:09 pm 2.CullySoolaSed said …
Porno videos
here
http://webtechnologiesnew.blogspot.com