Cooler Master Storm Controller Gamecontroller by Prompong Hakk

Cooler Master Storm Controller Gamecontroller by Prompong Hakk is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2024 A' Design Award in Zilver in Computers en Randapparatuur Ontwerp Competition Category.

ZilverComputer· 2024

Cooler Master Storm Controller Gamecontroller

by Prompong Hakk

Client: Cooler Master

A' Design Award in Zilver Winner in Computer Category

126,898

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #161568

Visit Site View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Cooler Master Storm Controller Gamecontroller

Storm Controller is een gamecontroller ontworpen voor cloudgaming en gebruik met meerdere apparaten. De controller maakt verbinding met maximaal vier apparaten, zoals mobiel, televisie, computer en console. Een centrale knop schakelt tussen de apparaten en licht op in verschillende kleuren om het actieve platform aan te geven. De batterij gaat tot 40 uur mee. De handgevormde vorm past bij de gemiddelde volwassen hand en meet 160 x 105 x 61 mm. Aangepaste texturen op de grepen en het rubber van de joystick verbeteren de grip. De productie maakt gebruik van spuitgieten met 20 procent gerecycled plastic.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award in Zilver

Cooler Master Storm Controller Gamecontroller is winnaar van de A' Design Award in Zilver, een buitengewoon prestigieuze erkenning die wordt toegekend aan topontwerpen die prachtig en indrukwekkend zijn. Winnaars in Zilver zijn enorm briljante en uiterst creatieve werken die de uitmuntende expertise, het talent en de scherpzinnigheid van hun ontwerpers illustreren. Cooler Master Storm Controller Gamecontroller wordt verwacht een prachtig paradepaardje te zijn dat opmerkelijk professioneel en diepgaand innovatief is. Dit ontwerp dat de A' Design Award in Zilver heeft gewonnen, is een hoogst opmerkelijke, bewonderde uitvinding die baat en de grenzen van kunst, wetenschap, ontwerp en technologie verlegt. Cooler Master Storm Controller Gamecontroller is een zeer benijde creatie die verlangens oproept, positieve gevoelens brengt en verbazing en verwondering doet ontvlammen.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: Introducing Cooler Masters inaugural PC controller tailored for Cloud Gaming, boasting multi-hosting capabilities and premium design features. The Storm Controller seamlessly connects to up to 4 devices, ensuring uninterrupted gameplay with an impressive 40-hour battery life. Its ergonomically hand-sculpted design enhances comfort during extended gaming sessions, while the distinctive Cooler Master aesthetic and superior technical performance elevate it above others in its class.
Dimensions & Packaging: The controller measures 160 x 105 x 61 mm. The controller is designed to suit the average adult hand.
Tags: Cooler Master, Storm Controller, Gaming Peripheral, shakes bkk, Gaming
Production Technology: A bespoke texture plate was commissioned to emboss a uniquely crafted Cooler Master pattern onto the rubber grips, ensuring a distinct tactile experience. Another texture, featuring a dissected Cooler Master Halo, was specifically designed for the joystick rubber, further enhancing grip and control during gameplay. Manufactured through a standard injection molding process, the controller upholds Cooler Masters commitment to sustainability by incorporating 20 percent recycled plastic material.
Design Challenge: The creation of the Storm controller posed a unique challenge, as it was built upon an existing factory platform, restricting modifications to the split line profile and button positioning. Despite this constraint, the team was determined to enhance the controllers ergonomic feel based on research and observation findings. Numerous 3D prints and prototypes were developed to refine the contours and shape of the Hybrid D-Pad.
Research: Through collaboration with a local Research company and an online workshop held during Computex, extensive research was conducted to uncover new insights into controller pain points and design preferences. This comprehensive approach aimed to identify user acceptance levels for battery life, exploring options such as hot-swappable or built-in batteries. Additionally, the research delved into D-Pad preferences and ergonomic considerations, ensuring that user feedback directly informed the design process, resulting in a controller that addresses the diverse needs and preferences of gamers.
Inspiration: To ensure an exceptional gaming experience the team crafted a controller facilitating seamless gameplay across multiple devices, a pioneering feat demanding compatibility with at least 4 platforms, mobile, TV, PC, and console, a first during development. The design emphasizes subtle yet distinctive details, such as the custom Anti-Blister D-Pad, Joystick Rubber, and Controller Grip, all with dedicated Cooler Master brand patterns.
Project Duration: The Controller was conceptualized over the duration of 3 months with another 6 months of development with the factory, totaling 9 months in project lead time.
Operation Flow: The Storm Controllers multi-device connectivity empowers users to pair it with up to four devices, effortlessly switching between them at the press of a button. Serve as your primary gaming peripheral across all devices, relishing the convenience of seamless transitions.
At the heart of this functionality lies the distinctive Cooler Master Halo Logo, shaping the swap button at the controllers center. Illuminating in various colors, it intuitively signals different platform connections—such as Android and PC—enhancing user experience and convenience.
Team Members: Prompong Hakk
Marco D'Ignazio
Surakead Hemwimon
Chris Chen
Image Credits: shakes bkk