An Exploration of In-Game Action Mappings with a Deformable Game Controller

Abstract

Deformation input consists of methods of interaction that make use of material deformation in order to control on-screen variables. In this thesis, we explore controller input mappings for games using a deformable prototype that combines deformation gestures with standard button input. In experiment one, we tested discrete gestures using three games. We categorized the control schemes as binary (traditional), action, and navigation, the latter two named based on the game mechanics the gestures were mapped to. We found that the binary scheme performed the best, but gesture-based control schemes are stimulating and appealing.Results also suggest that the deformation gestures are best mapped to simple and natural tasks. In experiment two we tested continuous gestures in a 3D racing game using the same control scheme categorization. Results were mostly consistent with experiment one but showed an improvement in performance and preference for the action control scheme.iii

Fabrication of Nāmya: A Bend and Touch-Sensitive Flexible Smartphone-Sized Prototype

“…It can also detect compound bend gestures performed at the above-mentioned locations and directions. The use of additional bend sensors can enable the recognition of bend gestures at other locations along with recognition of deformation gestures other than bending and folding the device [35,39,51]. Although thresholdbased activation of the bend sensors could be utilized to recognize these bend gestures, using a machine learning algorithm in this context could deliver promising results with limited use of bend sensors.…”

HyperBrush: Exploring the Influence of Flexural Stiffness on the Performance and Preference for Bendable Stylus Interfaces

“…Utilizing objects that have the ability to twist, squeeze, rotate, or bend, introduces novel interactions that rigid interfaces cannot accomplish [7,45]. DUIs have made its statements in gaming [14,37,39], accessibility [8,13], electronic reading [46], music [17,44], drawing [37], and mobile handheld devices [14,16,29,31,37,41,45] that aspire to enhance intuitiveness, expressiveness, and either augment or replace rigid interfaces.…”

The Influence of Flexural Stiffness on the Performance and Preference of Bendable Stylus Interfaces

“…DUIs are defined as devices that have components of soft or malleable material that require some physical exertion from the user and used as an input technique [9]. DUIs also made its statement in gaming [16,51], accessibility [10,15], electronic reading [59], and mobile handheld devices [19,34,39,54] that replace or augment rigid input [9]. Research has also made it important to consider how the physical properties of stiffness [29,30], material [38], and size [36,44] of the device can influence user's preference and performance.…”