The use of different textured materials for controllers.

Hypothesis: unique textures will attract players to controllers.

Materials tested: Leather, sand, fur, slime, plants, wood, concrete, metal, bubble wrap, food, more.

Results: I found that the strongest draw for players can be found in materials such as fur and natural wood. I believe these textures are familiar in that context and desirable to players, they know it feels good to touch so they approach the controller to touch it almost subconsciously. Incorporating classic arcade controls such as illuminated buttons and joysticks ensures a high rate of conversions from touching the controller to using the inputs.

Some materials I would classify as familiar to touch, but not in this context. This includes foods, plants, slime. These materials attract players, however they command attention, causing players to stop and think before reaching out to touch. This shift from subconscious action to conscious action is detrimental in public play, as it allows the player to consider the possible embarrassing ramifications of touching the controller. What if I break it? What if I get told off? What if it’s gross? What if it’s a trick? These questions quickly override curiosity in public spaces and can significantly decrease conversions from observer to player. On the other hand, while difficult to measure, the wildness of the material may help set the tone for the space. Amongst enough wild controllers, those inhibitions may be dulled.

Materials that are familiar and undesirable to touch, such as concrete, metal and leather, does not attract players with curiosity, however they do allow the software to attract a more diverse audience. The uniqueness of a concrete block with a joystick embedded in the top (RIP that joystick) removes the associations that would be present if a gamepad controller sat on the plinth, thus expanding the diversity of the playing audience.

Note: The most common inspiration for different materials is the subject matter of the software. However it’s important to think through all the possible materials paired with the software as the same theme can be applicable to many different materials, some more suitable than others. For example, the sausage dog version of Genital Jousting by Freelives inspired a joystick that was skewering real hotdog sausages, changed each day. While it was a very interesting controller, I realised it was possibly too gross for a lot of people, and I wasn’t happy with the food wastage. I replaced the wieners with dog chew toys in the shape of hotdogs and found the tone remained the same but the engagement was a lot higher.

Conclusion: Creating unique controllers or installations is a great way to attract a wider audience, especially people who may be put off by traditional controllers. Using materials that people enjoy touching in public (fur, wood, sand, turf) is a great way to entice your audience to interact with your controller. Using other materials can be less effective depending on context, but is preferable to a gamepad or keyboard by far.