Background:
I am a disabled gamer. I acquired my disability in 2011 when I suffered from a stroke. This left me with a left-sided weakness but a massive desire to get back into gaming. I've always enjoyed pushing the edge of what I could do in games. Luckily, I met the lovely people at Special Effect. I asked them for some help and we begin work on a better future. The switches they had back then were not great. However, because I enjoy pushing the edge, eventually we ended up an Arduino board that allowed me to push buttons into it. Many years later Special Effect went on to collaborate with Microsoft in designing the Xbox adaptive controller ( linked below).
I find a video that Special Affected with me, so here's the link. (go easy, I was younger)
In a perfect world, games would be accessible for everyone. It makes me so happy to see that so many designers and creators are making an impact in this competition.
The reasoning for my design
Every disability is unique. Every person has their own challenges. I want to live in a barrier-free world. where universal design for living comes first.
I designed these as a tool to be used with the Logitech G Adaptive Gaming Kit for Xbox and the Xbox Adaptive Controller. Two products specifically made for disabled people and because am I am starting here the kids and controller can only get better.
Alongside these button stands a Disabled person can use these buttons to customise their gaming space. They can also be used in combination with rehabilitation or to elevate their gaming status. Buttons can be more easily mounted underneath the desk so that the knee can be used. Buttons can be easily mounted so that affected limbs have to reach out to press them. And of course, buttons can be more easily accessible because gaming should be fun and a way to feel like yourself.
Postprint
Buttons can be mounted using the provided Velcro sticky tape that comes with the Logitech kit. This again allows the gamer to set up their environments in the perfect way that suits them
Considerations
I also scaled the prints down such that only one button would fit on. However, you could quite easily mount many buttons and a larger print. The entire point is to be modular! This is why I designed multiple different shapes and customisable options.
This is also my first design project. Please go easy on me :)
More additions to come later.
I am so excited to enter the controller project. so excited in fact that I had to start designing straight away. It's something I always want to do for myself, which is why I am excited to share it with more people.
Appendix
I ran out of time just why I was only able to print one of these out. I will attempt to upload more photos in the near future, but life happens, you know?
A further reason for me wanting to join this competition is that I've started my own business to help disabled people. Specifically, to combat the phenomenon known as the “disability tax”. This is where companies charge more money to disabled people because they know they have no other choice. They know the Purple pound It is a lot of money that they can be taken advantage of. I won a competition and was able to purchase my first Prusa printer. I've not looked back since and will continue to help people where I can. However, as my social enterprise focuses on not exploiting disabled people, advancements are slower, but because of the power of 3D printers, I will keep fighting the good fight. I will keep being the competition to help disabled people live their lives.
The author hasn't provided the model origin yet.