Modular GamePad - Sustainability Through Modularity
Sustainability can be achieved in many ways. By choosing a space where products are rarely thrown away (gamepads from the 1980's are still in circulation in secondary markets) and supporting that strength by increasing ease of repair and ability to personalize.
Modularity is more than the Lego concept of many interlocking parts, is also includes the idea of shared and standardized components. By using both types of modularity, I am able to make a controller that is easier to repair with standardized parts, and that is also customizable, with parts that connect to each other
This project started as designing a controller and then putting modularity in it. It really came together when it shifted to designing modularity and building a controller around that
I developed a controller built around modules, with a dock that contains them all.
Varied and eclectic 3 tone colorways highlight the different elements of the design while also encouraging the use of modular features. When a module is worn out a user can buy an individual module in any colorway they want, either matching or choosing a contrasting color. At point of sale a user can also make their own eclectic combos of multiple colors.
This controller uses modularity to lengthen the lifespans of controller. User testing and interviews revealed that thumbsticks are first to break. Now these can either be taken apart on a module basis or simply replaced, significantly lessening trash and keeping it out of landfills. In a circular economy model this focuses on lengthening lifespans since plastics can only be recycled a small amount of times.