Method for controlling an operating device for a transportation vehicle and operating device

A method for actuating a control device for a transportation vehicle with a control element. A spring-elastic element is disposed underneath the control element and is indirectly or directly moved and/or deformed by a piezo element to give an operator at least a haptic feedback during the operation of the control element. The spring-elastic element is moved toward the control element when the piezo element is actuated and is brought into working contact with the control element. This enables the spring-elastic element to be transferred from a stable initial position into an unstable deformation position when the control element is operated. When the control element is released, the spring-elastic element automatically passes from the deformation position back to the initial position. A haptic feedback is produced by the spring-elastic element in each case in response to a change from the initial position to the deformation position and vice versa.