The relationship between vibration and shape: A study on visual-tactile cross-modal correspondences

Tactile and visual feedback are common forms of feedback in existing electronic products. Sensory differences can increase cognitive load, impacting user experience. This study investigates the cross-modal relationship between vibration and shape in tactile-visual perception. We conducted two experiments in which participants experienced vibrations of varying frequencies and amplitudes, then selected corresponding shapes and adjusted their roundness based on their perceptions. The results show that as shapes become more circular, the associated vibration frequency and amplitude decrease. Additionally, there is a negative correlation between shape roundness and vibration amplitude, while the relationship with shape roundness initially decreases and then increases as vibration frequency rises. These findings can assist developers in designing more effective tactile and visual interaction feedback, achieving sensory coherence, and enhancing product usability and comfort.