Applicability of touch sense controllers using warm and cold sensations

At present, designing controllers considering the physical aspect, such as a user's muscle load or range of movement, and the cognitive aspect, such as easy handling or simple functions, has become a basic requirement, and many products have satisfied these aspects. Thus, conversely describing, because it is difficult to find differences among products using these aspects for customers, manufacturers are seeking ways to effectively appeal to users in the psychological aspect. A touch sense is expected to produce new interaction that meets our psychological satisfaction beyond visual and auditory senses. In this study, aiming at producing the reality effectively in user-system interaction, we examine the applicability of controllers with warm and cold sensation that match users' images of a change in system conditions. In particular, 1) we examine if there is a relationship between the cold or warm sensation that users feel at their fingertips and an image of changes in system conditions, and 2) we examine if a slider-type controller with warm and cold sensations helps a user's finger to slide correctly and naturally. Furthermore, on the basis of the results of this study, we propose some concepts for applying a touch sense to actual situations.