Overview
IEC TS 63528:2025 - "Multimedia systems - Haptics - Haptics stimuli descriptors" defines a structured set of haptic stimuli descriptors to classify and group the broad range of haptics events and functions used in consumer electronics, computer interfaces, automobiles, amusements and communications. The Technical Specification provides a taxonomy and minimal metadata to enable consistent consideration of compatibility, interoperability, performance, and evaluation and measurement methods across diverse haptic devices and content.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and purpose: Establish descriptors that make haptic stimuli comparable across systems and use-cases so that standardization work (e.g., measurement methods and interoperability) can proceed on a common basis.
- Descriptor structure: Nine descriptors describe a haptics stimulus:
- Purpose
- Haptic event
- Perception(s)
- Reality class
- Interactivity
- Target body part(s)
- Modality
- Signal(s)
- Method(s)
- Descriptor categories: The specification defines four mandatory descriptors and five that are optional or conditional (two optional, three conditional). Mandatory descriptors express what the haptic target is; optional/conditional descriptors describe how it is realized.
- Classification aims: Enable grouping of haptic content by common characteristics to support standardized performance metrics, compatibility rules, and interoperability protocols.
- Examples and informative annexes: Practical examples include vibrotactile vests, vibrotactile TVs, button click sensations in vehicle centre information displays (CID), and 4D cinema theatres to illustrate descriptor application.
Applications
- Standardizing metadata for haptic content and device capability catalogs
- Defining test cases and evaluation and measurement methods for haptic performance
- Enabling interoperability between content producers (games, films, VR/AR) and haptic output devices (wearables, seats, controllers, vehicle HMI)
- Facilitating R&D and reproducibility by allowing researchers to classify and share haptic stimuli consistently
- Improving user experience design for tactile feedback in consumer electronics, automotive HMI, immersive cinema, and communications
Who will use this standard
- Haptic device manufacturers and component suppliers (actuators, drivers)
- Multimedia system integrators and platform vendors (TV, VR, AR, 4D cinema)
- Automotive HMI designers and ergonomics teams
- Content creators (games, immersive media) and middleware providers
- Test laboratories and standards bodies developing measurement and compliance methods
- R&D teams studying perception, haptics signal design, and interoperability
Related standards
- IEC TR 63344:2021 - discusses broader standardization needs for haptics and human factors and is cited in the introduction as complementary background for this TS.
By applying IEC TS 63528:2025 descriptors, organizations can classify haptic stimuli consistently, accelerate interoperability work, and develop measurable standards for next‑generation multimedia haptics.