The Effect of Surface Texture on Thermal Sensation and Comfort

The study investigated how the material roughness of a tablet computer surface can affect thermal sensation and comfort of users fingers and palms at different surface temperatures. Three levels of pattern spacing were tested, and it was shown that rough material surface provided higher thermal comfort comparing to a smooth surface. In addition, the surface temperature of the material also moderates participants′ physical sensation of the roughness of the materials. The results of the study have shown evidences of the potentials to use materials with spatial patterns to improve thermal comfort while dissipating heat from electronic devices.