Magnet Haptic: Using Magnets and Conductive Ink to Self-fabricate Interactive VR Devices

Magnet Haptic method presents an innovative approach for quickly creating tactile input devices tailored to enhance multisensory experiences in virtual reality (VR) environments. This technique utilizes a unique combination of magnets and conductive ink, allowing users to design and fabricate tactile feedback mechanisms easily. By exploiting the magnetism of the magnets to form various tactile structures and integrating the conductive properties of the ink for signal transmission, this method seamlessly bridges the tactile interaction with VR devices. A prototype was developed and evaluated with the participation of eight users, who engaged in both the creation and usage of the tactile devices. Their experiences, gathered through semi-structured interviews, provided insights into the usability and versatility of the method. Additionally, the durability and performance of the hardware were rigorously tested in multi-layer configurations and through repeated use, demonstrating its potential for diverse and complex VR applications. This research contributes significantly to the field by offering a fast, customizable solution for developing tactile interfaces in VR, marking a step forward in achieving comprehensive multisensory virtual experiences.