DESIGN NAME: Cooler Master Storm Controller
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Computer Peripheral
INSPIRATION: To ensure an exceptional gaming experience the team crafted a controller facilitating seamless gameplay across multiple devices, a pioneering feat demanding compatibility with at least 4 platforms, mobile, TV, PC, and console, a first during development. The design emphasizes subtle yet distinctive details, such as the custom Anti-Blister D-Pad, Joystick Rubber, and Controller Grip, all with dedicated Cooler Master brand patterns.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Introducing Cooler Masters inaugural PC controller tailored for Cloud Gaming, boasting multi-hosting capabilities and premium design features. The Storm Controller seamlessly connects to up to 4 devices, ensuring uninterrupted gameplay with an impressive 40-hour battery life. Its ergonomically hand-sculpted design enhances comfort during extended gaming sessions, while the distinctive Cooler Master aesthetic and superior technical performance elevate it above others in its class.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: The Storm Controllers multi-device connectivity empowers users to pair it with up to four devices, effortlessly switching between them at the press of a button. Serve as your primary gaming peripheral across all devices, relishing the convenience of seamless transitions.
At the heart of this functionality lies the distinctive Cooler Master Halo Logo, shaping the swap button at the controllers center. Illuminating in various colors, it intuitively signals different platform connections—such as Android and PC—enhancing user experience and convenience.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The Controller was conceptualized over the duration of 3 months with another 6 months of development with the factory, totaling 9 months in project lead time.
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: A bespoke texture plate was commissioned to emboss a uniquely crafted Cooler Master pattern onto the rubber grips, ensuring a distinct tactile experience. Another texture, featuring a dissected Cooler Master Halo, was specifically designed for the joystick rubber, further enhancing grip and control during gameplay. Manufactured through a standard injection molding process, the controller upholds Cooler Masters commitment to sustainability by incorporating 20 percent recycled plastic material.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: The controller measures 160 x 105 x 61 mm. The controller is designed to suit the average adult hand.
TAGS: Cooler Master, Storm Controller, Gaming Peripheral, shakes bkk, Gaming
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Through collaboration with a local Research company and an online workshop held during Computex, extensive research was conducted to uncover new insights into controller pain points and design preferences. This comprehensive approach aimed to identify user acceptance levels for battery life, exploring options such as hot-swappable or built-in batteries. Additionally, the research delved into D-Pad preferences and ergonomic considerations, ensuring that user feedback directly informed the design process, resulting in a controller that addresses the diverse needs and preferences of gamers.
CHALLENGE: The creation of the Storm controller posed a unique challenge, as it was built upon an existing factory platform, restricting modifications to the split line profile and button positioning. Despite this constraint, the team was determined to enhance the controllers ergonomic feel based on research and observation findings. Numerous 3D prints and prototypes were developed to refine the contours and shape of the Hybrid D-Pad.
ADDED DATE: 2024-04-09 14:16:43
TEAM MEMBERS (5) : Prompong Hakk, Marco D'Ignazio, Surakead Hemwimon, Chris Chen and
IMAGE CREDITS: shakes bkk
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