Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to methods and systems for providing customized “haptic messaging” to users of handheld communication devices (110) in a variety of applications. In one embodiment, a method of haptic messaging includes: receiving an input signal associated with an actuation of a user-interface member (112); determining a haptic code associated with the actuation; and including the haptic code in an output signal to be sent to a remote handheld communication device (10). In another embodiment, a method of haptic messaging includes: receiving an input signal; outputting a request relating to a contact with a user-interface member (112) coupled to a handheld communication device (110); and providing a control signal associated with the contact to an actuator (130) coupled to the handheld communication device (110), the control signal being configured to cause the actuator (130) to output a haptic effect associated with the input signal.