Inaccessibility in Gaming
Inaccessibility in Gaming
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Introduction
Introduction
My name is Anthony Acevedo, and I am part of the team that created the Pill Controller. For the last decade, I have had a passion for electronics, math, and engineering. Therefore, I plan to study electrical engineering and computer science at MIT. While deeply enjoying the pleasure of video games, I realized that not everyone is able to partake in this activity because of disabilities. Hence, I decided to collaborate with a few peers to create a controller that could be used by single-handed amputees. The Pill Controller is a universal controller that could be used with one hand.
What is the Problem?
What is the Problem?
Based on information from the Amputee Coalition, In the United States, about 2% of the entire population is prevented from enjoying video games because of a physical disability, and this problem has existed since 1977.
This fact is particularly troubling because video games can be used to improve the player's mood, and 50% of people with upper-limb loss had mental issues. Moreover, not being able to play video games denies people opportunities to exercise and socialize.
Beyond denying opportunities for the gamer, inaccessibility in gaming also reflects poorly on major game companies because they are not expanding gaming to a larger audience, harming their image and profits.
Similar Solutions
Similar Solutions
These images show the similar solutions and their evaluations.
Our Solution
Our Solution
Our team has decided to solve the problem of inaccessibility to video games for one-handed amputees by creating a controller to be used by only one hand- the “Pill Controller.”
Our solution addresses the issues because:
It considers one-handed accessibility and includes the functionality of a normal controller, closing the accessibility gap
It will be made to be as comfortable as possible to use
It is highly portable, so it has the same level of transportability as a regular controller
It will be compatible with every single popular gaming console
The controller does not appear to have a high cost of production, solving the problem in an affordable manner
The specifics of the controller's design are:
In terms of aesthetics, the controller will be manufactured with a black exterior and red, green, blue, and yellow buttons.
The controller will include an Arduino Micro, joysticks, buttons, wiring, and a 3D-printed shell. The current dimensions for the “Pill Controller” are 5 x 2.5 x 1.4 in.
The “Pill Controller” will be fairly durable and comfortable to use.
The approximate cost of this project will be $70.
These specifics will be satisfied through the following parameters:
Solution Generation
Solution Generation
Mind Map Brainstorming
Mind Map Brainstorming
At the start of brainstorming, we combined all of our ideas and possibilities of certain designs into separate junctions following our STEM principles. We also tried to think of the strongpoints of certain solutions and incorporate them into ours.
Decision Matrices
Decision Matrices
Based on the solutions generated during brainstormong, we created a table with all the solutions and ranked them. Ultimately, the pill controller won the ranking.
Initial Decision Matrix
Initial Decision Matrix
The Initial Decision Matrix was able to display most of our solutions ideas, along with specifications to show which solution would be best to address the issue. We stayed focused on Material Cost, One Hand Accessibility, Functionality, Compatibility, Portability, Ease of Use, Production Time, and Comfort. As shown in the table, our best decision was the “Rounded Controller” which will later be named the “Pill Controller”
Alternative Decision Matrix
Alternative Decision Matrix
The Alternative Decision Matrix was able to display most of our solutions that could have been progressed by any specifications that helped us rank them. We stayed focused on Material Cost, One Hand Accessibility, Functionality, Compatibility, Portability, Ease of Use, Production Time, and Comfort. As shown in the table, the “Pill Controller” was the winner.
Application of STEM Principles
Application of STEM Principles
Throughout the brainstorming process, we tried to address multiple STEM principles that mainly pertained to physics:
Viability Survey
Viability Survey
While the solution was still in the concept phase, the group decided to conduct a survey to determine if the design met the proper requirements as outlined by the criteria and constraints. These were the results:
Prototype Construction
Prototype Construction
Technical Drawings
Technical Drawings
The creation of the prototype involved the fabrication of the shell and the creation of a circuit. The technical drawings for the shell, the circuitry, and the assembly are shown below.
Prototype Construction
Prototype Construction
Once the technical drawings were created to extensively detail the form and inner workings of the controller, a physical prototype was constructed. The creation of the circuitry and the outer casing of the prototype is shown:
Tool Selection
Tool Selection
During the construction of the prototype, various tools were used. These tools were:
Soldering Iron
Breadboard
Bandsaw
3D Printer
Helping Hands
Magnifying Glass
Multimeter
Hot Glue Gun
Testing
Testing
Based on the previously mentioned parameters, the prototype of the controller was tested. When we tested it, we found that the controller was functional with the Windows platform, portable, and under the mass requirement. Unfortunately, the controller did move when less than 20 N was applied to the controller, and the controller was not very comfortable to use.
Analyzing Test Data
Analyzing Test Data
Analysis of Design
Analysis of Design
Based on the data from the tests of the design, the solution fell short in a few aspects. The controller should have had a lower mass because it was somewhat close to the upper limit for the mass of the controller. Moreover, the static friction between the surface of a controller and a table was not sufficient to prevent the motion of the controller when less than 20 N was applied. This means that the friction between the surface of the controller and various surfaces must be increased using a material, such as rubber. Lastly, the controller did not meet the mark for comfort, so it should be changed in multiple ways to suit this parameter.
Judge Feedback
Judge Feedback
what types of games are therapeutic? Define casual game. The problem was well defined and communicated effectively. It was clear that the controller was for one-handed amputees and the end goal of the project was projected.
what about a flight simulation controller? I like the comparisons between what is in the market and how the group took ideas from existing designs into account.
The path from design to prototype was clear and understandable. I think the mark was missed on trying to hit all of the specifications that the prototype was trying to solve. For example the group mentioned stabilizing the controller so it would not move but nothing in the prototype address that issue, perhaps adding some weight or rubber stoppers to the controller would have helped.
would encourage getting a one-handed gaming to test the product. This would have provided amazing quantitative data to have real life application. The live test with a video game was great it showed everything the group was working towards. I think there could have been some better explanation of the surveys that were conducted on campus for the "feel" of the controller.
great presentation, i would suggest marketing the controller for a one-handed competitive player.
Great job citing all of facts related to the 4Ws/H
Good use of the similar solution matrix; consider honing in on the specifics of products so the audience can better understand the significance of your prototype
Great prototype! Very impressed by the design process, construction, and the fact that it worked!
Would strongly recommend testing this prototype with special focus on amputee users
Great presentation, but work on making sure all team members participate equally!
Reflection and Recommendations
Reflection and Recommendations
Project Design Reflection
Project Design Reflection
In the future, our prototype could be improved in numerous ways. We were limited in what resources we could use for this project, and this caused some limitations.
The design of the project excelled in some aspects because it met most of the parameters that were established at the beginning. However, the project should have been carried out In a different manner to ensure that more of the targets were met. Specifically, the size of the project should have been reduced because the comfort was negatively impacted by the size of the controller.
Recommendations for Design Improvement
Recommendations for Design Improvement
Comfort
The controller model is too big
The shape of it can be improved for comfort
More comfortable material to hold
Organization
The wiring inside the controller could be improved so that the controller can be assembled better.
Functionality
Should be constructed to target both hands instead of just the right hand.
Compatible with all consoles instead of just PC.
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