Project Overview

 We collaborated with Sony’s PlayStation team as subject matter experts to help create the PlayStation Access Controller, a groundbreaking device designed to make gaming more accessible for individuals with disabilities. Unlike previous efforts in the industry, such as the Microsoft Adaptive Controller, our goal was not to replicate existing solutions but to develop a unique, user-centered device that addressed new challenges and reached even more players.

Objectives

Our role focused on ensuring the Access Controller would be an inclusive solution capable of adapting to the diverse needs of gamers with disabilities. The key objectives were:

• To guide the design team in understanding the real-world barriers faced by gamers with limited mobility.

• To test prototypes and provide actionable feedback to refine functionality and usability.

• To connect PlayStation with individuals with disabilities for hands-on testing, ensuring the final product met the highest standards of accessibility and inclusivity.

Approach

 The development of the Access Controller was deeply collaborative and rooted in real-world testing and user input. As subject matter experts, our contributions included:

• Design Consultation: Partnering with PlayStation’s design and engineering teams to share insights into accessibility best practices and explore unique solutions.

• Prototype Testing: Personally testing early versions of the controller to identify areas for improvement and ensure adaptability for various assistive technologies.

• Community Engagement: Facilitating opportunities for gamers with disabilities to interact with prototypes, providing feedback that directly informed the product’s design

The resulting controller offers an innovative modular system, enabling users to customize button layouts, integrate third-party accessories, and configure setups tailored to their individual needs.

Results and Impact

 The PlayStation Access Controller sets a new benchmark for inclusive design in gaming. By prioritizing adaptability, user comfort, and ease of integration, PlayStation successfully delivered a solution that empowers more players to enjoy gaming on their terms. Feedback from early testers highlighted the controller’s intuitive design and unparalleled flexibility, demonstrating its impact in breaking down barriers to play.

This project reinforces the value of collaboration between subject matter experts, designers, and the end-user community. By leveraging our expertise and centering the voices of players with disabilities, we helped PlayStation innovate beyond existing solutions and create a truly inclusive gaming experience.