MetaController: Sheet Material Based Flexible Game Controlling System

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tc_H9EXL5wUjYs8fAixngAgPmjbNqvpf/view?usp=sharing

In this project, I contributed extensively to the design, fabrication, and electronics integration of MetaController, a flexible, reconfigurable game controller system. My work began with conceptualizing the controller’s abstract geometry, where I defined the overall structural framework. From there, I modeled and designed each reconfigurable piece, ensuring that they could be fabricated with precision and assembled for various configurations.

After laser-cutting the pieces, I embedded wiring and electronics, including the microcontroller and sensor components, within the individual parts. My collaborator handled the soldering, after which I took charge of the assembly process, constructing the final system from the modular components. I also played a key role in the software setup and debugging, working closely with my collaborator to ensure the system’s responsiveness.

To enhance adaptability, I experimented with different geometric parameters and developed a joint system that allows MetaController to function as a reconfigurable and dynamic interface. While this research is ongoing, this iterative design process has allowed us to optimize the device’s versatility and explore new dimensions in user interaction and customizability.

MetaController was awarded the Most Useful Award at the 37th Annual ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology (UIST) and is published as part of the conference proceedings.

Special thanks to my collaborators - Stella Shen and Rushil Sojitra - for their invaluable contributions especially in this project, which were instrumental in bringing this project to completion.