# Tactile-Rendering Touchscreens 3D Touch Surfaces Technology Lets You Feel What is on Your Screen By Alyson Wyers | Published 2013-10-16 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-touch-surfaces References: [theverge](http://www.theverge.com/2013/10/9/4819908/disney-shows-off-texture-feedback-on-touchscreens) & [disneyresearch](http://www.disneyresearch.com/project/3d-touch-surfaces/) [Disney Research's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magicband) new 3D touch surfaces technology allows people to feel what is on their screens. This means users can [feel simulated textures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tactile-digital-comics) through their tablet, phone or computer touch screens. This involves virtual 3D bumps, so one can feel a jellyfish without getting stung or outline the ridges in a map. This can be done using an algorithm that measures things like friction and voltage. The technical details behind the algorithm behind the 3D touch surfaces can be found in a research paper. There are three main steps: calculating the gradient of the desired surface; determining the 'dot product' of the surface's gradient as well as the velocity of the sliding finger; and mapping the dot product to the voltage. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.6/10 - Popularity: 13% | Activity: 28% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Tactile-rendering Touchscreens:** Disney Research's 3D touch surfaces technology allows users to feel simulated textures through their screens. - **Virtual Texture Sensation:** Advancements in algorithmic measurement of friction and voltage enable users to experience virtual 3D bumps and textures. - **Enhanced Haptic Feedback:** The integration of tactile-rendering touchscreens offers new opportunities for immersive user experiences and interactive interfaces. ### Where This Applies - **Consumer Electronics:** Tactile-rendering touchscreens can revolutionize the consumer electronics industry, providing a new level of interaction and engagement for devices. - **Gaming and Entertainment:** The incorporation of tactile-feedback technology in gaming and entertainment industries has the potential to enhance gameplay and create more immersive experiences. - **Healthcare and Rehabilitation:** Tactile-rendering touchscreens can play a significant role in healthcare and rehabilitation by enabling users to perceive virtual textures, aiding in therapy and training simulations. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Fluid-Filled Tactile OLED Screens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flat-panel-haptics.md) - [Digital Touch Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kisstouch.md) - [Tactile Bare-Hands Metaverse Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emerge.md) - [Touch-Reactive VR Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/presence-in-bed.md) - [Content-Creation Touchscreen Tablets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/touchscreen-tablet.md) - [Touch-Free Screen Technologies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/touchnetix.md) - [Comprehensive Tactile Sensing Infrastructure](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tactile-sensing-infrastructure.md) - [3D Haptic Peripherals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minverse.md) - [Tactile VR Gloves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tactglove.md)