Demonstrating Dark Haptics Scenarios for Future XR Advertising

Conference Paper (2025)
Author(s)

K.P. Venkatraj (Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI), TU Delft - Perceptual Intelligence)

Christina Schneegass (TU Delft - Perceptual Intelligence)

G. Huisman (TU Delft - Perceptual Intelligence)

Abdallah Ali (Universiteit Utrecht, Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI))

Research Group
Perceptual Intelligence
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1145/3707640.3731926
More Info
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Publication Year
2025
Language
English
Research Group
Perceptual Intelligence
ISBN (electronic)
979-8-4007-1397-2
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Abstract

We demonstrate the manipulative potential of haptics (‘Dark Haptics’) for the future of advertising in eXtended Reality (XR). Our demonstration showcases two haptic and one pseudo-haptic interactions as a XR-based advertising strategy that can subtly manipulate user actions in this dark future of advertising work. Developed in Unreal Engine 5.5 for the Meta Quest 3, this single-user Virtual Reality experience presents an initial exploration of the manipulative qualities of haptics design that can be exploited within immersive environments. By highlighting these dark design patterns, our demonstration aims to raise awareness and initiate discussion around the ethical implications of haptic feedback for the future of work in immersive environments, particularly within advertising. Our work lays the groundwork for future research and development of tools to mitigate the potential harms and risks of dark haptics as immersive technologies become more integrated into professional and commercial environments.