The modern battlefield is an environment replete with information and distractions, often to the detriment of communication. To circumvent these issues, we developed TACTICS, a tactile display capable of covertly communicating directional cues and traditional U.S. Army Hand-Arm signals. A multi-pronged, human-centered approach was used to develop TACTICS, and specific considerations for general tactile display are discussed with TACTICS as an exemplar. Laboratory and field research suggest TACTICS is a highly effective means of communication by presenting tactile icons that are learned quickly, perceived intuitively, and discriminated successfully.
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