A System to Visualize Individual Variation in Tactile Perception using Onomatopoeia Map

Abstract

Although many studies have addressed the issue on tactile perceptual space, very few studies have paid attention to individual differences. In this study, we propose a system to visualize individual differences in tactile perceptual space using a map of onomatopoeia. The system visualizes the relationship on the map between onomatopoeic words that can express tactile sensations and basic tactile materials. In addition, it allows users to move onomatopoeic words to locations they feel more appropriate on the map. As a result, the difference in the configuration of the words on the map shows the individual differences of how tactile sensations are categorized. This system can be used for visualizing trends of differences in tactile perception, for example, between young and old people, and between male and female.