Customizable Game Controller
TANGIBLE DESIGN
INSPIRATION
The inspiration for this project came from the lack of usability of Playstation controllers for individuals with motor impairment.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
An interactive video game controller cardboard prototype that:
- displays the users name after the user is prompted to type their name
- moves the image of Mario up, down, left and right using buttons
- turns on/off LED light with touch
- plays a tune using a button
Materials
- Arduino Uno
- Cardboard box
- Duct tape
- Sharpie pen
- Processing Software
- 5 button sensors
- 1 LED display sensor
- 1 LED light sensor
- 1 buzzer sensor
- 1 touch sensor
- Brown Craft Paper
- Markers
- X-acto knife
EXECUTION
The Arduino Uno was programmed using Java in Processing before it was placed in a cardBoard box and wrapped with craft paper. Due to the limitations of the length of the sensor wires and its distance from the Arduino board, the buttons could not be placed further apart on the box.
design explorations
To imagine how an accessible video game controller would look like, 3D forms of button sensors were created using Cinema 4D.
CONCEPT POSTER
WORK IN PROGRESS SHOWCASE
The video game controller prototype was showcased at SMC's Work In Progress Night event where feedback was provided from industry designers.
NEXT STEPS
After receiving feedback from industry designers, next steps will be 3D printing the sensor models and testing its usability. Exploration of button placement, size, shape and texture would be tested in order to improve its accessibility.