In the world of gaming, being able to actively participate can make a significant difference in one’s social connections and overall quality of life. Project Leonardo aims to bridge the gap between the gaming community and individuals who face accessibility challenges. Developed with expert advice and extensive community input, the Access Controller is designed to make PlayStation games accessible to all.

The Need for an Accessible Controller

The realization that a portion of the gaming community was unable to interact with PlayStation games led to the conception of Project Leonardo. Existing solutions included hardware modifications and third-party alternatives, but they were insufficient and fragmented. Understanding these limitations, the team at PlayStation recognized the urgent need for an accessible, first-party controller.

Understanding the User Requirements

Before designing the controller, it was crucial to understand the unique needs of the target users. This involved consultation with various experts, such as AbleGamers, Stack Up, and SpecialEffect. By engaging with these organizations and the broader community, the team was able to identify key challenges, such as button placement and controller weight, which would need to be addressed in the new design.

Extensive Prototyping

A more extensive prototyping phase was undertaken, unlike any other project at PlayStation. This was a global effort involving team members from multiple departments across three continents. Each prototype underwent rigorous testing, and feedback from users was instrumental in shaping the next iteration.

Collaborative User Testing

User testing was conducted in a specialized lab in Tokyo, involving departments from Industrial Design to Interaction Design. Observing user behavior was deemed extremely important. The team learned valuable lessons, notably that their initial assumptions were incorrect, thus highlighting the importance of real user feedback in designing for accessibility.

Hardware Details

The Access Controller is fundamentally different from conventional game controllers. Its design allows for a multitude of configurations. The controller’s form factor comprises a circle with buttons arranged radially around a central button. Users can customize the layout according to their preferences, which was made possible through several rounds of user feedback.

Software Adaptability

The user interface (UI) aims to make the complex functionalities of the Access Controller as simple as possible. Initially, textual explanations were used but later replaced with 3D animations to better guide the users. The software also allows for real-time button customization and stick sensitivity adjustments, further enhancing the user experience.

Packaging and Unboxing Experience

The packaging design reflects the controller’s ethos of accessibility. The team included features like finger holes and dual-hand seal cuts to allow the package to be opened easily, either with the right or left hand.

Initial Reception and Future Plans

The Access Controller has received positive initial feedback, especially from users who had never previously interacted with PlayStation games. The development team is committed to continuous improvement and eagerly awaits further feedback from the community.

Final Thoughts

Project Leonardo signifies an important step toward making gaming more inclusive. The Access Controller exemplifies how thoughtful design and user feedback can create a product that enhances the gaming experience for everyone. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved when companies take accessibility seriously.

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