The document describes a one-handed game controller designed to be ambidextrous and comfortable. It takes inspiration from controllers like the Razer Orbweaver and Tartarus in its layout and button mapping. The design focuses on traditional keyboard mechanics alongside a flexible touchscreen interface and rebindable keys. It includes a thumb controller for analog control. The controller is meant to be usable by those with only one hand for genres like first-person shooters, MMOs, racing and simulation games. Early prototypes showed the design could benefit from being more compact and balanced.

1. Game Usability
Week 2
Jeff Nalewyko, Ryan Reed, Brian Waggoner, Jaime
Cortez

2. Abstract
A controller designed to be used with one both
ambidextrous and comfortable with touch
screen interface and rebindable keys.

3. Design Purpose
● The purpose of this controller is to allow the
user to play games with only one hand.
● We wanted to offer the user the option to not
only have a wide array of buttons at their
disposal but also rebind them to their own
specific needs.

4. Inspiration
One of the biggest inspirations for the controller was the “Razer Orbweaver” with its unique layout and button
mapping.
The Razer Tartarus was a basic example of the one handed controller design we were going to use with the keys on the top and the
thumb stick on the side.
The Logitech G13 was another example like the Razer Tartarus.
The main inspiration from the Razer Deathstalker was the touchscreen located at the far right of the keyboard. The touchscreen is
designed to run in game applications and social media.

5. Design Methodology
● Focus on making an ambidextrous one handed game
controller
● Ensure it had traditional keyboard mechanics with the
flexibility of a touchscreen
● Add a thumb controller for more of a trackball feel for
games requiring more analog control
● Make it practical as well as comfortable

6. Schematic Diagrams

7. Design Assumptions
● User only has the ability to utilize one hand
● Controller must be able to be used by right
or left hand
● Controller must be able to interface with
different game types and genres
● The buttons should be able to be assigned
different functions of the user’s choosing

8. 3 Game Summary
First Person Shooter – With most FPS games a controller only needs to control movement, camera, and basic player functions
(crouch, jump, reload, etc) so we incorporated all of them in our controllers design. The ability to also program the keys that aren’t
being used also provides users with extra function use.
Massive Multiplayer Online – This is a little more complex when designing a controller because of the amount of keys that are
used in an MMO. That’s why we designed the controller with enough keys as to not overwhelm the user but provide enough that it
still has functionality. Another added benefit we added is the touchscreen which can be used as both an in game monitor and extra
buttons/keys.
Racing – Racing games can easily be played with this controller even for users who enjoy manually shifting. The WSAD keys can
be used for steering and the thumb stick can be used for shifting.
Simulation – With games like Flight Simulator, Farming Simulator, and Train Simulator becoming more and more popular users
will have access to the basic key layout they need to play simulators. With a combination of WSAD keys and the thumb stick users
have access to full movement and camera use which is crucial in simulations.

9. Prototype/Playtesting 1

10. Prototype/Playtesting 2

11. Postmortem
● What went right?
Using a stationary controller allows for reduced stress on the wrist. With the touch screen users can easily customize the
interface and use it in game as part of the controller or to display in game stats.
● What went wrong?
The overall size of the controller was not taken into account and seems rather bulky. Switching between the keyboard
and touchscreen buttons can be a large stretch for the fingers while using the controller. Balance was not taken into
account and the touch screen make the controller a bit top heavy.
● What did we learn and improve?
We learned our controller could benefit overall from a more compact design making the controller easier on the fingers
and less cumbersome. Taking into mind balance issues we can certainly improve on supporting the controller near the
top to help level out the balance issue.

12. References
Razor Orb Weaver-Gaming Keypad. Razerzone. Retrieved October 9, 2014, from http://www.razerzone.com/gaming-keyboards-
keypads/razer-orbweaver
Razor Deathstalker Ultimate-Smart Gaming Keyboard. Razerzone. Retrieved 9 Oct 2014. http://www.razerzone.com/gaming-
keyboards-keypads/razer-deathstalker-ultimate
G13 Advanced Gameboard. Logitech Gaming. Retrieved 9 Oct 2014. http://gaming.logitech.com/en-us/product/g13-advanced-
gameboard
Razer Tartarus-Gaming Keypad. Razerzone. Retrieved 9 Oct 2014. http://www.razerzone.com/gaming-keyboards-
keypads/razer-tartarus