Softness in terms of haptics

soft business cards

From cashmere scarves to Egyptian bed linen and alpaca wool – softness has positioned itself as one of the characteristics of luxury items.

However, it is not easy to determine why we feel something soft. Two factors probably play a decisive role here.

On the one hand, the smoothness of the surface must be taken into account. The less resistance (and therefore friction) a surface creates when you run your fingers over it, the softer it will be perceived by us.

Another measurable metric is the individual deformability of the material. The more flexible a material is and the easier it is to deform, the softer it is perceived by our sense of touch. The sticking point here seems to be linked very closely to our own biology: If an object is easier to deform than our finger, we generally perceive it to be soft.

So soft is flexible, cuddly and is characterized by a surface without resistance. Materials that perfectly combine these attributes are leather and artificial leather, paper, cardboard, but also organic materials such as pressed moss.

With business cards made from these materials you not only express your own flexibility and caution, but also leave an impression that invites you to be reminded again and again by touching it.