Silver Computers and Peripheral Devices Design · 2024
Cooler Master Storm Controller Computer Peripheral
- A' Design Award 2024 Silver Winner in Computers and Peripheral Devices Design
- Awarded April 15, 2024
- CLIENT: Cooler Master
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 126,725
- Verification code F3AD8D82AE · Verify this award
About Cooler Master Storm Controller Computer Peripheral
Storm Controller is a game controller designed for cloud gaming and use with several devices. The controller connects to up to four devices, such as mobile, television, computer and console. A central button switches between the devices and lights in different colors to show the active platform. The battery lasts up to 40 hours. The hand-sculpted form suits the average adult hand and measures 160 x 105 x 61 mm. Custom textures on the grips and the joystick rubber improve hold. Production uses injection molding with 20 percent recycled plastic.
Positioned within the contemporary discourse of gaming peripheral design, this controller exemplifies the maturation of interactive device aesthetics from purely utilitarian objects to carefully considered expressions of industrial design philosophy. The work demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of how visual language communicates brand identity and user experience expectations, employing a restrained chromatic strategy that suggests both professional capability and personal expression. The violet accent color, applied with notable restraint to functional elements rather than decorative surfaces, creates visual hierarchy while simultaneously invoking associations with gaming culture's embrace of distinctive, customizable aesthetics. Technical accomplishment manifests in the seamless integration of multiple material finishes within a unified formal envelope, from the light-absorbing matte surfaces of the primary body to the tactile knurling of input surfaces and the gem-like translucency of the action buttons. The compositional achievement of the object itself, distinct from its photographic presentation, reveals careful attention to ergonomic sculpture, the sweeping curves of the grip extensions suggesting prolonged comfort while the asymmetrical thumbstick placement follows established conventions for natural hand positioning. The central brand element, rendered as a clean geometric form within a subtle recessed channel, demonstrates how identity can be integrated without disrupting functional surfaces or compromising the overall formal coherence. This work invites consideration of how objects designed for extended physical interaction must negotiate between visual appeal in the retail environment and tactile satisfaction during use, a dual audience of eye and hand that demands design solutions addressing both aesthetic contemplation and embodied experience. What relationships between visual restraint and functional exuberance might viewers discover in examining how color and texture choices guide both perception and anticipated touch?
Press Kit
- 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.
- 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. - 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.
- Image Credits
- shakes bkk
Colors of Cooler Master Storm Controller Computer Peripheral
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