Adaptive Game Controller for People With Cerebral Palsy and Other Disabilities

In this instructable, I'm excited to introduce an alternative seesaw controller, a project inspired by my teacher's challenge to create something that embodies social good. Designed with individuals with cerebral palsy in mind, this controller is the result of thoughtful innovation and a desire to make technology accessible to all. I'll guide you through its ergonomic design, sensitive controls, and the customization that makes it a game-changer. Join me in exploring how this device can unlock new levels of digital engagement and independence.

Supplies

Basic Supplies:

1. Foamboard (You can also get this at an office supplies store like Staples)
2. Cardboard (You can also get this at an office supplies store like Staples)
3. Tinfoil
4. Copper tape
5. Copper wire (flexible)
6. Alligator Clips (14 Total)
7. Makey Makey
8. Exacto Knife
9. Wire Cutter
10. Soldering Iron

CAD Files for 3D components:

1. Base of Controller
2. Seesaw Part
3. Hinge Point #1
4. Hinge Point #2

Website to Test Key Inputs:

https://apps.makeymakey.com/piano/

Instructions On How to Remap Makey Makey Key Inputs:

https://makeymakey.com/pages/remap

Step 1: Have All the 3D Printed Parts

Print the files attached in the supplies section or have someone print them. We recommend using a color that your end user will enjoy, and durable PLA filament.

Step 2: Build First Two Contact Points

1. Cut two cardboard rectangles measuring 6.5 x 3.5 cm
2. Wrap rectangles with tinfoil, doubling their size.
3. Cut a wire with alligator clips in half and strip the end without the alligator clip
4. Attach the half wires with one alligator clip to the larger rectangles using copper tape.

Step 3: Attach Base Contact Points

1. Apply glue to the bottom of the contact points created in the previous step.
2. Insert the glued contact points into the corresponding spaces in the 3D-printed base.

Now, your assembly is complete, with the contact points securely attached to the 3D-printed base.

Step 4: Wiring the Seesaw Pt. 1

1. Ensure that the holes running through the 3D-printed part are clear, especially if you scaled down the prints.
2. If needed, use a drill to clear out any obstructions in the holes.
3. Run one end of the copper wire through the hole that runs lengthwise along the seesaw.
4. Trim the wire so that there is approximately 1-2 inches of wire sticking out on either side.

Now, the seesaw component is prepared with the copper wire threaded through its lengthwise hole.

Step 5: Wiring the Seesaw Pt. 2

1. With the wire running through the center of the seesaw, locate the hole on the bottom where the wire is visible.
2. Gather a soldering iron, solder, tweezers, and a 5-6 inch length of copper wire.
3. Use tweezers to pull the wire up through the hole, forming a short "inverse U" shape.
4. Wrap approximately an inch of the copper wire around this "U" shape and secure the two wires together using a drop of solder.
5. Push the "U" shape back into the plastic piece, leaving the length of wire exposed.

Now, the third end of the copper wire is securely attached to the seesaw component.

Step 6: Create Contact Points for SeeSaw

Repeat the process from step 2 to create pieces of cardboard wrapped in tinfoil that fit into the grooves of the seesaw piece.

Step 7: Attach Contact Points for Seesaw

1. Take the wire extending from either side of the seesaw and wrap it around the tinfoil contact points created earlier.
2. Ensure that the wire ends on the side of the contact point with exposed edges of tinfoil.
3. Attach the wire loops to the tinfoil contact points with a drop of solder or copper tape.
4. Repeat the process on the other side with the corresponding contact point.
5. Secure both contact points to the grooves in the assembly using hot glue.

Now, both ends of the seesaw wire are securely connected to the tinfoil contact points, and the contact points are affixed to the grooves using hot glue.

Step 8: Create Buttons for Controller

1. Cut out a circle of foam core slightly smaller than the indent on the 3D-printed base.
2. Use copper tape to create two sides of the button.
3. Apply the copper tape to the foam core to form the conductive surfaces for both sides of the button.

Now, you have a foam core circle with copper tape on two sides, ready to be installed as a button on the 3D-printed base.

Step 9: Attach Wires to Button

1. Flip the button over so that the rough edges of the tape are facing up.
2. Cut an alligator clip in half, trim it to your desired length, and strip the last 1/4 inch of the wire to expose the copper.
3. Use small pieces of copper tape to attach the stripped end of the wire to the copper tape on one side of the button.
4. Repeat the process for the other side of the button.

Now, both sides of the button have an alligator clip attached to the exposed copper tape, completing the button assembly.

Step 10: Attach Buttons

1. Apply a few drops of hot glue to attach the buttons to the indent in the 3D-printed base.
2. Arrange the wires neatly so that they fit into the channel leading out of the indent.
3. Ensure there is enough space to stack one wire on top of the other.

Now, the buttons are securely attached to the 3D-printed base, and the wires are arranged neatly in the channel, allowing for proper stacking.

Step 11: Glue Down the Seesaw

Insert the pivot points into the holes on the side of the seesaw and hot glue them into the holes of the base.

Step 12: Repeat Steps 1-11 to Build a Second Controller (if Desired)

If you want to have more than 1 controller controller repeat steps 1-10. The materials listed above are enough for two controllers.

Step 13: Create Base for Central Hub

1. Glue together 3-4 pieces of foam core, each measuring 12 x 7 inches.
2. Cut out channels in the foam core to roughly resemble the channels in the reference image.

Now, you have a larger foam core structure with channels that match the image provided.

Step 14: Attach Wires to Central Hub

1. Place the MakeyMakey in the designated cutout with the cord to the computer disconnected.

• Label 10 alligator clips with the following tags:1x Left Arrow
• 1x Right Arrow
• 1x Down Arrow
• 1x Up Arrow
• 1x Click
• 1x Space
• 4x Ground

1. Attach these clips to the corresponding places on the MakeyMakey, grouping left arrow, right arrow, and space wires on one side and up arrow, down arrow, and click wires on the other side. Distribute the ground wires to both sides.
2. Once wires are grouped, place them in the channels.
3. Use tape to secure the wires by placing several pieces over the tops of the channels.

Now, the MakeyMakey is properly set up and secured in place with labeled and connected alligator clips.

Step 15: Connect Central Hub and Controllers

1. Connect the wires to the controllers by joining each pair of alligator clips.
2. Attach the space and click wires to one of the button wires on each controller.
3. Connect one ground wire to the wire underneath the seesaw on each controller.
4. Attach another ground wire to one of the button wires on each controller.

Repeat these steps for the other controller.

Now, both controllers are connected with wires properly attached, ensuring the functionality of the space, click, and ground connections.

Congratulations! Your controllers are completed and ready for use!