‘Haptic’ technology is proving to be beneficial in a variety of areas. For example as a means for artists and designers to generate a virtual world, also its numerous possibilities to create forms and product for rapid prototyping. Alternatively Haptics or touch can simulate real situations in medical environments for training purposes in surgery and dentistry without endangering patients’ lives. Importantly this technology is being trialed with force-feedback using a sense of touch to assist stroke patients recover movement in their limbs.

At the London College of Fashion we have access to and expertise supporting Haptics technology. Curious to see if it would enlighten my practice I undertook one exploratory session and with others’ assistance achieved a result! I shall compare my virtual haptic experience with my ‘hands on’ practice for my own work and discuss collaborations with other practitioners and the importance that touch plays in the understanding and choice of materials. By reflecting on the making and response to three interactive touch textile panels I made for the Science Museum I shall discuss and compare the importance of the sensory and touch experience in the virtual and actual world. Concluding that by experiencing the virtual world can make one more aware and appreciative of the actual. This paper will be fully illustrated.