TANDEM
Video Game Controller
Pratt Institute, Master of Industrial Design,
Class of 2021, Thesis Project
by Chi-Hao @Pratt
2021.05
8 months
TANDEM, connecting two or more people, is the core concept of this project
A set of 2 split-up game controllers
adding “sliding and pounding on thighs” into parts of the control,
separating all the inputs into two categories, "Motion" and "Action.”
TANDEM is designed for 2 people to play together.
The thumb buttons are simplified, one new pound button is added, and motion sensors replacing analog sticks are installed at the bottom,
detecting the sliding movement on your thighs to control the character and camera movement, just like using mouses!
CONTEXT
In the present of 2021, playing video games is becoming a worldwide phenomenon.
There are lots of benefits to playing video games.
People can build new social connections, strengthen existing bonds, and create shared playful experiences by playing together.
PROBLEM
However, to get those benefits, people are usually required to be skilled or experienced using controllers.
This requirement will make it difficult for ordinary people or casual gamers to get access to playing video games smoothly.
As an avid gamer playing with friends or relatives, the uneven skills can cause changeless and predictable game results.
I will always win, and this situation can kind of damage the atmosphere.
HYPOTHESIS
I believe by making video gaming more approachable and inclusive, it can foster interactive meaningful bonds and create shared memories between people of different controlling skills or even different generations.
To achieve this goal, I decided to bring the element of a co-op mode for 2 players into my design.
CASE STUDY
Nowadays, the companies mostly provide the 2 players mode by software.
The hardware isn’t very well-designed for duo-gaming, but more like a compromise strategy.
INSIGHT - Interview & Questionnaire
10 Interviews - Overlaps of Core & Casual Players
141 Responses of the Questionnaire - Interfaces & Genres of Video Games
USABILITY COMPARISON
In the tasks of pointing/aiming & camera moving, mouses work better than analog sticks.
>> The concept of replacing the analog stick to make control easier.
IDEATION
FINAL CONCEPT
Separate Motion & Action
Slide & Pound on Thighs
Connectable Handles - Steering Wheel & Aiming Rifle
SCENARIO
With the concept instead of just playing cooperative games,
4 people with different controlling skill levels can team up into 2 groups to balance the overall levels in average for group competition.
In the end, they can all involve the enjoyment of playing video games together.
ITERATION
ITERATION - 3D Printing Prototypes
Motion #1-5
Thumb Button Position Adjustment >> Better Comfort for Holding
Base Direction Adjustment >> Backward to Forward >> Better Stability for Sliding on Thighs
Action #1-2
Connection Length Adjustment >> More Enough Space for 2 Hands Holding
Base Direction Adjustment >> Backward to Forward >> Better Stability for Sliding on Thighs
FINAL MODEL
Great grip curvatures and just the right head length at the front
All feel comfortable fitting into your hands
MODELING & RENDERING
Parting Lines Definition
FEATURE DEMO
Platform Action - Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
Racing - Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Fighting - Super Smash Bro. Ultimate
Shooting - Splatoon 2
USER VALIDATION
Workable Prototypes
Workable Prototypes Scenarios
User Testing & Feedback
PURPOSE
TANDEM can team up 2 people to play as 1 to help foster interactive, meaningful bonds and create shared memories between people of different controlling skill levels or even different generations.
It has the potential to make any kind of video game couch-cooperative. This project is not just about the hardware. It’s not about one person playing video games with one controller alone but the interaction and communication between people.
Playmates are the most playful point while playing video games with TANDEM. In this case, video games are the social space; controllers are the media; the purpose they serve is to make people feel closer to each other and engage more.
VISION
Imagine one day in the near future, without any difficulty and barrier, you can play video games and enhance meaningful bonds with not only your friends, but also your kids, parents, or even grandparents.
As an avid gamer who likes to play with others, I wanna make one step towards this future with my project.
I believe by making video games more approachable and inclusive, we can create playful experiences through them, together.
