Xbox Adaptive Controller: How Microsoft's design team is attacking inaccessible packaging

MICROSOFT

Xbox Adaptive Controller: How the Microsoft Design Team Addressed the # Inaccessible packaging

Microsoft is already making waves in the world of games it revealed in May this year – but better still, the hardware giant has even made the device packaging accessible!

Similarly for the controller itself, developed with players with reduced mobility, the packaging was carried out with users

This means that the controller's packaging can be easily removed by the players using only one arm or one hand. And Microsoft has finished packaging with the same high quality finish that has become standard for Xbox products since the launch of the Xbox One.

"The packaging can be boring for any consumer (see: wrap rage)," writes Deborah Bach. on the Microsoft blog "But for people with disabilities, this often creates another challenge in a world riddled with trouble, a useless hurdle that leads to frustration and a lag in access to the Internet. interior object. "

"The product team was putting a lot of diligence on convincing the controller that not having a thoughtfully designed and thoughtful package for the end user would have been a real lack," said Kevin Marshall, director of the creation of Microsoft Packaging Design Studio

"With this particular product, we felt increased responsibility. We wanted to create a package that was clearly designed for the end user, and we wanted it to feel like it was part of our ecosystem, "he said. "We wanted it to be challenging, but we did not want it to stand out from any packages we create."

"It's awesome We created this controller so people can use it, but if they can not even get it out of the box, we're somehow stumbled on our face with this whole process.That makes a huge difference in the way that one gets our device out of the package, "notes Solomon Romney, an expert in learning retailer Microsoft Stores in Salt Lake City, Utah.

"I still think and think, why not?"

Microsoft has apparently performed more than 100 iterations of packaging before being satisfied that it fulfills the mandate to be accessible and aesthetically pleasing to suit players with reduced mobility

. an incredibly deep and broad scope of work, "explains Marshall. "It's part of the fun, it's part of our learning process, we learn by doing, we learn by building, and on that particular product there is a lot to learn."

"This was a really powerful experience, "says Marshall. "I do not think you realize, as long as you do not have to think differently, what you take for granted.As a designer, when you see things from a completely different angle, that's all. is a paradigm shift.

"This certainly changes the way we envision packaging.We are excited to be moving forward with a new goal and to see what we can do, "he said.

"We are really excited to continue this journey."

The adaptive The controller itself is a one-of-a-kind device, designed as an affordable, easy-to-configure and easily available wireless Xbox controller, designed for mobility-challenged users who may not be able to use a conventional Xbox controller.

Microsoft is confident that the release of the new controller will make the game accessible to people with a wide range of disabilities. And for some it will be the first time.

As you can see, this unique keypad allows you to program your own entries, which means you can map the controls in the way that suits you best.

There also seems to be a ton of top-of-the-line accessibility options that will be connected to other Windows devices and options – great for consumers who need more options. 39; accessibility on Windows and Xbox machines.

and a headphone jack – another Xbox pads

The pad is scheduled for September 30, 2018, and is available for pre-order at the Microsoft Store right now for a retail value of £ 74.99