In a group project designing a submarine, I created the piloting actuation. Drawing from video game functionality, I designed an intuitive and ergonomic controller that minimizes wrist movement, allowing thumbs to steer the ship. The resulting mechanism seamlessly blends into the dashboard, with design features extending to other cockpit interiors. I collaborated with submarine shell and UI designers to resolve technical, practical, and aesthetic design challenges, ensuring a unified and intentional system.
In order to determine the most comfortable and user-friendly form and function, I conducted a series of prototypes. These prototypes included sketches, foam models, 3D-printed models, various buttons, and electronic components.
Our design team did extensive user testing throughout the project to ensure the solutions were cohesive and instinctive. In our final round of testing, we set up a full-scale prototype with a working controller and dashboard, allowing users to simulate piloting our submarine.
The left side of the controller operates pitch control with an up/down button, while speed is adjusted with the scroll wheel. The right side controls directional movement with a joystick.
