The same TouchSense module can be configured to act like a high-quality tuner knob, then a five-position selector switch, and later, a control that automatically returns to a center position. Tactile sensations such as detents, barriers, and pulses give users cues that make selecting, adjusting, and controlling a more intuitive process.

In combination with sight and sound, tactile feedback provides confirming response for a satisfying, congruent, multimodal experience. When users can also rely on their sense of touch, they perform tasks faster, more precisely, and with greater confidence. Moreover, tactile cues may reduce dependence on sight for some applications.

Unlike purely mechanical switches, encoders, and other control devices, TouchSense modules provide a two-way channel of communication. The modules supply a position input to the system and function as touch feedback output devices, (see Runtime System Architecture illustration). You can configure the modules to perform within the context of operation, as the user would naturally expect for tasks, such as:

• Adjusting parameters – low to high, magnitude, volume, brightness, speed, etc.
• Varying ratio settings – balance, fade, treble/bass
• Selecting discrete items – on/off, an item in a list of options
• Choosing nonlinear settings – arbitrary and changing parameters irregularly spaced along a scale
• Navigating a layered hierarchy – a menu tree
• Scrolling selections – long and short lists
• Making precision adjustments – fine or coarse gain