Factors in the development of a training program for use with tactile devices

A review of the literature suggests that, in order to maximize the benefits available through a tactile device, it must be accompanied by an effective and adaptive training program. There are a number of factors to consider in the design of such a training program, including the type of tasks and response formats to include, the amount of training, subject motivation and device use, the characteristics of the potential user population, the specific device to be used and the type of information it provides, and the evaluation procedures to be followed. The type and saliency of the information provided by a particular tactile device are highlighted as the most important yet neglected consideration in designing a training program. The training program used with the University of Melbourne's multiple-channel electrotactile device is presented to show how these important factors may be addressed, to indicate the flexibility required in a training program, and to provide a general framework on which researchers may base the development of programs for other tactile devices.