What is haptic feedback?
Haptic feedback communicates digital events through vibration, force or other physical sensations.
How it works and where it is used
A phone buzz, game-controller vibration and force feedback in a surgical simulator apply the idea differently. Timing and intensity matter when aligned with an action. Haptics does not always replace sound or visuals; accessible design often combines channels.
Limits, safety and selection criteria
Long or strong vibration can cause discomfort and drain power. Measure device force and latency; a named effect in software does not guarantee a good sensation. Offer controls to reduce or disable effects. A navigation app can use distinct vibration patterns for left and right turns, reducing screen glances. Complex patterns can become hard to distinguish, and users still need awareness of physical hazards. A game-controller impact is not a reliable measurement of real force. In health or industrial training, validate how well the sensation represents physical conditions. Test across user preferences and device capabilities; one haptic pattern may be imperceptible or uncomfortable for some people.