Project
Force Feedback
Year
2019
Force Feedback is a VR gaming accessory that offers more gameplay feedback for bladed gameplay. The device utilizes gyroscopes & sensors to create physical directional feedback during gameplay.
The VR controller experience
The VR industry is rapidly growing as headsets become lighter with better resolution. As content becomes visually better, there hasn’t been too many advancements in the physical area of the experience. To simplify the idea of a more responsive controller experience, I focused on bladed combat gaming content. The goal was to develop a way to physically immerse the user by leveraging existing technology.
Physical Feedback
Current VR controllers lack any physical feedback past vibration. Using a powerful gyroscope system, the controller creates push back force on the user to emulate contact with an object in VR.
Sensor Feedback
Standard controllers are developed to be a universal controller but isn’t optimized for bladed combat. This controller utilizes a blade tracker and grip sensors to relay more accurate data to improve experience.
Tactile Feedback
Since VR users aren’t able to see where their hand placement is on the controller, each section is textured differently to allow the user to physically feel where they are holding the controller and where the buttons are.
Physical Feedback
Using a powered gyroscope and the data collected in the controller, the user will feel physical resistance when striking an object in game as the gyroscope pushes back to balance out the controller. The motor’s torque will vary depending on the force of the swing or object it is interacting with.
Sensor Feedback
The controller grip utilizes a full range of touch sensors to help feed data back to the system to improve in game positioning. Instead of just using a tracking point at the top of the blade, the strength of the grip and finger/palm position give back more accurate pivot points, motion and controller position.
Tactile Feedback
The grip is purposefully created in a textured soft grip to encourage users to hold on to the most comfortable and ideal position leaving all the smooth slick areas for non touch responsive areas. Additionally, the thumb joystick control is in a textured plastic with a slight curvature to indicate finger placement.
