The Difference Between Haptic Feedback and Vibration Alerting

1.Introduction
2.What Is Haptic Feedback
3.What Is Vibration Alerting
4.Working Principles
5.Conclusion

Introduction
Haptic feedback technology is still expanding the context for this technology in many electronic systems ranging from a smartphone to wearables and automotive systems. Haptic Feedback and Vibration Alerting often can be found together. Many people think that they both refer to the same thing. However, the two concepts have different purposes, functions and user experience.
This blog describes these differences in a simple and structured manner. It also provides the concepts behind each of the technologies and explains how they are used in real applications.

What Is Haptic Feedback
Haptic Feedback is a term which is used to describe a technology that uses mechanical stimulation to generate a tactile response. The purpose is to simulate some physical sensation that feels right, accurate and controlled. In simple terms, Haptic Feedback allows people to "feel" digital information. This sensation can be a click, a pulse, a soft tap, a sort of texture or a controlled motion. 
Haptic Feedback is commonly found in smart phones, game controllers, touchscreen devices, AR/VR devices, automotive displays and industrial control systems. It helps users to make more confident actions and improves the overall interaction experience.
If you want to find more about the base of haptic feedback technology, you can read previous blog《What Is Haptic Feedback》, which talks about the fundamental definition and background of the technology.

What Is Vibration Alerting
Vibration Alerting is a more primitive type of mechanical notification. It is a simple vibration signal used to alert the user about an occurrence. This vibration is typically strong, constant and easy to detect. Its first and foremost purpose is not to simulate a real feeling of touch but rather to send a clear message.  Common examples are the vibration alert of a mobile phone, alarm reminders on wearable devices and those using pager-style technology.
In short:
Haptic Feedback= Tactile experience + Precision + Interactive Response
Vibration Alerting = simple mechanical alert + vibration stronger + notification function

Working Principles
Haptic Feedback:
Haptic Feedback relies on the use of actuators which take electrical signals and turn them into controlled mechanical motion. These actuators are designed to have fast, accurate and repeatable tactile responses.
Common types of actuators are the following:
Linear Resonant Actuators (LRA), Eccentric Rotating Mass type motors(startups) (ERM), Piezoelectric actuators, Electroactive polymer actuators. Each actuator has a distinct style of touch sensation.
Haptic Feedback is not all about the sensation of vibration. It can also be used to simulate texture, resistance, friction, motion or force.
In the case of touchscreens for cars, haptic feedback assists drivers in operating the controls without taking their eyes off the road. In wearable devices, its helps in giving users slight notification.
In VR and gaming devices, haptic actuators allow for control of physical interactions such as hitting, pulling or pressing things to make the experience more immersive.
Vibration Alerting: 
Vibration Alerting is typically based on a simpler mechanism of the motor. For most systems, an ERM motor is used in which a small weight is attached to a rotating shaft, likely to be unbalanced. When the motor is turning, however, the off-center mass causes severe and continuous vibration. The user feels a distinct shaking sensation that indicates that there is an alert.
This design is simple, inexpensive and best suited for products where the vibration must only be used to inform the user rather than simulate a tactile experience.
The uses of Vibration Alerting are very common in mobile phones, smartdale watches and fitness glands, alarm devices, medical reminder devices, industrial communication tool, emergency and safety equipotential equipment.
The goal of vibration alerting always aim to send a powerful and unambiguous vibration signal to attract the user's attention.
Unlike Haptic Feedback, Vibration Alerting need not be very precise in timing and subtle intensity control and complex patterns are also not required. It just needs to be reliable enough to operate in any environment.

Conclusion
Haptic Feedback and Vibration Alerting are both important technologies used in electronic design today. The only difference is that they are used for different purposes.
Haptic Feedback is centered with interaction, precision and user experience. It helps users to feel the digital events more natural and helps with the intuitive control of many devices.
Vibration Alerting gives a strong mechanical signal for getting the user's attention as quickly as possible.
Haptic Feedback = Technology of a tactile interaction
Vibration Alerting = Vibration notification signal
Knowing the difference between them allows engineers to pick the right actuator for a given application. As devices develop, these technologies will become even more important standards of usability and accessibility.

Looking for the suitable haptic feedback solutions for your applications? Contact our team of engineers right now for advice and a quote.