Project Name: Adaptix: One-handed GamePad
Duration of Project: 14 weeks
Description: Adaptix is a concept of a console gaming controller that requires only one hand to operate. This project promotes inclusivity by providing opportunities to people with hand related disabilities. The product features a tilt sensitive movement pattern that can be mapped to certain game movements to make one handed operation more efficient.
Disclaimer: All work presented in this project is original and created by the author as part of an academic term at ArtCenter College of Design. It is student work and has no affiliation with any external organizations or entities.
Process Overview: Observational research - Design Process (Ideation & Prototyping) - Product Renders - Features - Video
OBSERVATIONal research
After I lost my arm, they all pitched in and got me a one handed controller. I picked it up and tried it but-
It was so frustrating, I threw it and broke it and didn’t game for five years.
-Aaron Soetart (One-Handed Gamer)
Common Problems Associated with One-Handed Gaming:
Fatigue & Discomfort
Existing one-handed gaming solutions are inefficient and require higher muscle involvement an cause fast exhaustion.
Coordination & Precision
Games often require fast and precise movements and existing solutions consist of complicated mapping and controls.
USER JOURNEY STORYBOARD (EXISITING METHOD):
Social & Mental factors
The frustration of not being able to play games as easily as fellow peers can be demotivating and stressful to users.
Turn on console
Find controller and headphones in drawer
Wear headphones
Sit on couch with controller
Place controller on shoulder
Navigate the console using touchpad
Play game using combination controls
Shut console and remove headphones
Place controller and headphones back
The observations highlighted in red are the important observations on which some of the ideations later are based on.
DESIGN PROCESS
iDEATIONS:
PROTOTYPING DEVELOPMENT:
Instead,
The motion of moving this mouse-like structure felt more natural and maneuverable
But most importantly, It didn’t compromise the reach of my fingers to the buttons.
CONCEPT REVISION:
LEARNING FROM PROFESSIONALS:
Key Takeaways:
Ambidextrous Features
Customization Opportunities
Ergonomic Development
I tried adding the Joystick attachment to the module, and simulated the control experience.
It was easy to maneuver and comfortable.
But, It restricted other controls.
Moving the joystick to different locations limited my reach to certain buttons. Which was a big problem.
We met with Andy Lin and his group of occupational therapists to get professional feedback on our ideas.
I got an insight into gaming solutions for the disabled, and the problems associated with it. And it definitely helped to make this project more relevant and applicable.
Product RENDERS
features
Customizable palm rest
Users can use modular palm rest attachments to suite their hand sizes and shapes which helps get a better grip and orientation.
AMBIDEXTROUS ATTACHMENT
The joystick attachment is modular to suite the use case of both right handed and left handed users.
tilt sensitive pad
The tilt sensitive bottom pad can be mapped to the movement of the character in the game, giving users a more tactile way of interacting with the game.
adaptix gamepad
Customizable button mapping
Users can map buttons according to their comfort for easier muscle movements and easier control combinations like double click and long press.