One embodiment of the present disclosure sets forth a technique for directing a user to modify an aspect of a vehicle via haptic output. The technique includes identifying one or more characteristics of a real-world condition located along a route of a vehicle. The technique further includes determining, based on the one or more characteristics of the real-world condition, a type of haptic sensation to deliver to a user associated with the vehicle. The technique further includes transmitting a first set of controls signals to at least one haptic output device that is proximate to the user, where the at least one haptic output device generates, based on the first set of control signals, haptic output corresponding to they type of haptic sensation.