NFC Gaming Controller
Tech21 2019.
A mobile gaming concept utilizing NFC technology, developed by Tech21.
With the increasing popularity and development of cloud gaming systems as well as the introduction of 5G, consumers now have the power to play premium, console level games on any of their devices, anywhere. The project goal was to develop a gaming case/ controller aimed at providing additional gaming functionality for on-the-go use with a mobile device.
This product was demonstrated to companies such as Google & Verizon at CES 2020. In addition to the physical functional prototypes, I created all of the digital assets used across concept packaging, marketing & point of sale.
Understanding the Market.
The Global gaming market was valued at $137.9Bn in 2018. Of that $137.9Bn, 41% ($56.4Bn) consists of mobile games and is predicted to rise to almost 50% in the next few years.
Identify then Design.
After extensive market research and competitor product analysis, initial sketch ideation was done to rapidly conceptualise a wide range of ideas. Iterative rounds of development and evaluation were performed through the creation of physical test rigs, ranging from foam and card mockups to more resolved 3D printed prototypes in order to rapidly move the design forward.
In collaboration with the NPD Group, a number of design proposals were presented to a test group of nearly 3000 consumers, who were asked to score concepts both as a whole, and also rank the various features associated with each concept. This gave us key insights into exactly what the customer base would expect and find desirable in a gaming product of this type.
Exploit Technology to Create a Seamless User Experience.
Near-Field Communication was at the heart of this product development process. By leveraging proprietary technology we were able to develop a mobile gaming product with console-level functionality, in an integrated portable package size, without the need for any physical connections to the device or any separate power sources. This was an industry first.
Defining a Design Language.
The primary intention for this design was to move away from the typical RGB flashing, aggressive gamer design and move to a more open, minimal aesthetic.
Portable & Protective.
The “Everday” gaming case added the additional functionality of mechanical triggers and mappable rear buttons. A layered TPU & Polycarbonate frame ensure a high level of impact protection, despite the delicate electronics housed inside. The on/off button ensures that the case only draws power from the device via NFC when the user is actively playing.
Maximum Functionality & Flexibility.
For more serious gamers, a pair of detachable controllers could be connected, which would then give the player full console level functionality, including mechanical buttons, triggers and joysticks. The controllers could be attached and used in different configurations depending on the users chosen play style.
Production Trials.
The case component was manufactured using insert moulding in TPU & PC. The controller components were injection moulded from a combination of PC & ABS. The PCBA design & manufacture as well as final software integration was managed by our partners.
Proof of Concept.
The final functional prototypes were developed to work with a Google Pixel 4XL device. A number of gaming apps were enabled to function with the prototype.
The photos above show the concept being demonstrated with the everyday case product as well as with the add-on controllers.
