Prototype a palm-bound bracing strap
Budget: $30 – $250 AUD
I have a motor disability. I play video games. I can use most ordinary controllers but have difficulty maintaining a prolonged and stable grip with my left hand due to involuntary muscle contractions.
Inspired by the Valve Index Controller, I want to determine if bracing my palm to the shell of a controller with an adjustable strap is helpful in this regard. Due to the nature of my condition, it may instead be wholly unusable, and I cannot know without physically handling a prototype. Unfortunately, the Valve Index is unavailable in my country and prohibitively expensive.
Accordingly, I need a proof-of-concept prototype to test the idea and inform future decisions.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be feasible for a third party entity to assemble in Australia, without personal access to a 3D printer (e.g. through a printing service).
- The prototype must brace the hand against the shell by strapping across the back of the palm.
- The tension of the strap must be adjustable.
- The strap should not restrict the independent movement of the thumb or fingers or should do so as little as possible.
- The shell must be sturdy; Assume that it will be involuntarily crushed when held.
- The prototype must be sufficient to physically demonstrate posture and range of movement when using a controller with the palm strapped in, such as when pressing buttons and holding the joystick at key positions.
- Must demonstrate for the LEFT hand (anything relating to the RIGHT hand is OPTIONAL).
NON-REQUIREMENTS:
- The shell need not be compatible with a real controller, nor have moving parts. E.g:
-- The face buttons do not need to move.
-- The joystick could instead be, for example, a dome-like structure illustrating thumb posture at key positions. Although a moving stick would be ideal, it does not need to move smoothly.
- The prototype does not need to be aesthetically pleasing.
- It does not technically need to be a 3D model; Hand-crafted shells or modifications of existing shells and straps are acceptable if instructions are sufficiently detailed for use by a third party.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
- Don't target extreme disability; Design something an ordinary person (you) can comfortably use.
-- Xbox controllers have an ideal layout (e.g. the Xbox Elite series)
-- I have not experienced The Valve Index layout.
-- DualShock (Playstation) layouts are NOT acceptable. The joystick is too far from the left due to a limited range of movement.
- Production costs must be explained and should be minimised.
- Creative flair may also help (surprise me!).
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
As conceptual references, you may refer to:
- The Valve Index website: https://www.valvesoftware.com/en/index/deep-dive
- The published 3D models for the Valve Index: https://github.com/ValveSoftware/IndexHardware
WARNING: The license on these files is for non-commercial use. It is your responsibility to comply with this or to seek an exemption.
- The Xbox Elite Series 1 controller, which is the most comfortable controller I have personally used: https://www.xbox.com/en-AU/accessories/controllers/elite-wireless-controller
Inspired by the Valve Index Controller, I want to determine if bracing my palm to the shell of a controller with an adjustable strap is helpful in this regard. Due to the nature of my condition, it may instead be wholly unusable, and I cannot know without physically handling a prototype. Unfortunately, the Valve Index is unavailable in my country and prohibitively expensive.
Accordingly, I need a proof-of-concept prototype to test the idea and inform future decisions.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be feasible for a third party entity to assemble in Australia, without personal access to a 3D printer (e.g. through a printing service).
- The prototype must brace the hand against the shell by strapping across the back of the palm.
- The tension of the strap must be adjustable.
- The strap should not restrict the independent movement of the thumb or fingers or should do so as little as possible.
- The shell must be sturdy; Assume that it will be involuntarily crushed when held.
- The prototype must be sufficient to physically demonstrate posture and range of movement when using a controller with the palm strapped in, such as when pressing buttons and holding the joystick at key positions.
- Must demonstrate for the LEFT hand (anything relating to the RIGHT hand is OPTIONAL).
NON-REQUIREMENTS:
- The shell need not be compatible with a real controller, nor have moving parts. E.g:
-- The face buttons do not need to move.
-- The joystick could instead be, for example, a dome-like structure illustrating thumb posture at key positions. Although a moving stick would be ideal, it does not need to move smoothly.
- The prototype does not need to be aesthetically pleasing.
- It does not technically need to be a 3D model; Hand-crafted shells or modifications of existing shells and straps are acceptable if instructions are sufficiently detailed for use by a third party.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
- Don't target extreme disability; Design something an ordinary person (you) can comfortably use.
-- Xbox controllers have an ideal layout (e.g. the Xbox Elite series)
-- I have not experienced The Valve Index layout.
-- DualShock (Playstation) layouts are NOT acceptable. The joystick is too far from the left due to a limited range of movement.
- Production costs must be explained and should be minimised.
- Creative flair may also help (surprise me!).
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
As conceptual references, you may refer to:
- The Valve Index website: https://www.valvesoftware.com/en/index/deep-dive
- The published 3D models for the Valve Index: https://github.com/ValveSoftware/IndexHardware
WARNING: The license on these files is for non-commercial use. It is your responsibility to comply with this or to seek an exemption.
- The Xbox Elite Series 1 controller, which is the most comfortable controller I have personally used: https://www.xbox.com/en-AU/accessories/controllers/elite-wireless-controller