Gravity Cons
Gravity Cons are premium linkable VR controllers you could rearrange to physically simulate common virtual objects to create a more immersive VR experience.
Client
Personal
Date
Feb - Jun 2021 / 16 Weeks (W.I.P)
Designer
Matt Ravenelle
Design Goal
Create a more immersive VR controller
Disjointed Controllers Break Immersion
Picking up common virtual objects like rifles or bats in Virtual Reality doesn’t simulate the solidity of real objects. The independent and disjointed nature of common VR controllers breaks this illusion. What if controllers could be joined together?
Magnetically Reconfigurable
Rifle
Bat
Bike
Through magnets one can link independent controllers together in different configurations for unique hand held experiences. Simulate the feeling of swinging a bat or shooting an actual rifle. Grip handles bars or pump a shotgun just as you would in real life.
Hands Free Dynamic Grip Pad
The nylon elastic strap allows a hands free experience while distributing pressure evenly anywhere the hand sits. The elongated nature of the pad allows your hand to slide up and down to allow more of an ergonomic bat grip. The pad has embedded perforations that allow vertical hand movement but provide more grip for horizontal movements.
Early in the process I explored various study models to brainstorm different ways to enhance immersion. As well as different ways to join controllers together.
The main problem was exploring multiple ways to strap the controllers to the hands while allowing the hands to move up and down when using the controllers in the “bat” configuration. I explored different solutions to apply a consistent amount of pressure on the hands no matter where it was while still maintaining a strong grip. Was it finger strap slides? Or a flexible elastomer lattice structure? Or simply a soft pad with a fabric strap you could tighten? The dynamic soft pad was chosen for development.
Specs
Neodymium Magnet Heads
Tension Pad
Trigger
Breathable Compression Molded Polyurethane Foam Pad
Grip Sensor
Tension Bands
Pull Tab
Buttons
Joystick
Home/Menu Button
Touch Sensor
Grip Perforations
Infrared Ring
IR-Transmissive Plastic (Acrylite), Light Weight Design
Strap Toggle Button
Snap-fit Magnetic Fastener / Charging Contacts
Rifle Extender & External Battery Accessory
The External Battery extends your play time and doubles as a rifle extender simulating a realistic rifle grip. It’s also spring loaded to mimic the action of cocking a shotgun. The magnetic fasteners have an interlocking bump and groove providing a secure lock so it doesn’t get flung across the room during intense play sessions.
To prevent the Rifle Battery Extender from flying away due to the chaotic movement of VR controllers during play I needed more than just a magnet when joined. I explored an easy removable magnet and snap fit clipping system for security during play.
