Operative Joystick Flower Mouse

In class, we decided to pursue assistive technology, specifically that of gaming consoles. A common issue with gaming consoles is that the joystick(s) is often small, making it challenging for those with disabilities like cerebral palsy. I decided to make a ginormous joystick, as this can make it much easier to move. This came to mind, as I was inspired by various classmates who showed the ways in which this technology could've gone about. I decided to make it bigger, as I wanted it to be both fun, but also useful for those with limited motor function. I also made a video explaining the functions of the controller, so please enjoy!

I would like to add that this instructable is a bit messy because there were various instances where it did not work or was hard to follow. If anyone decides to make this, it will be hard, but the outcome will be worth it, as it will work (hopefully) by the end. There were times where I had to rewire it to add to its functionality, when it became too complicated. If you have any questions, please contact me :).

Fusion360 file (the joystick): https://a360.co/402UOit

Remapping MakeyMakey Instructions: https://makeymakey.com/pages/remap

Materials:

• Foam board
• Copper/Aluminum tape (preferably copper, but either is fine)
• Electrical tape (you will need LOTS)
• Painters tape (if needed, can opt for electrical tape instead)
• Hot glue gun (gives stability)
• Exacto knife
• MakeyMakey
• Copper wire (for wiring)
• Wire strippers (please use)

Testing Website: https://mouseaccuracy.com/

1) In this step you first cut out the square (12" x 12").

2) Then create another square inside (don't cut yet!). This square will be (9" x 9").

3) Proceed to draw a line from the corner of the small square to the equivalent corner on the big square (repeat 4 times).

4) Once that is done, cut the line all the way through.

5) Then, cut the sides off the small square, so that it become a partial box.

1) Create a BIG circle (i.e. diameter = 3") and then encircle it with electrical tape.

2) Then, choose 4 sections to coat with copper tape (on both sides of foam board), ensuring that it will conduct.

3) Then place a copper wire on each copper tape section, and secure with copper tape.

Other Information: Image is different, as I discovered that I needed to disconnect 4 places, in order for the 4 sections to have copper tape, but still conduct in their designated areas.

1) Now we go to the 3D file of which you must print. After being printed, drill a hole in the middle.

2) Then coat it in electrical tape.

3) Afterwards, add on copper tape that aligns with the 4 sections on the partial box.

4) Cover the joystick with 2 sections, as this will be important later.

5) In order to make sure everything works, cover the sides of the bottom in copper tape.

6) For the part that is covered in copper tape, make sure to place a wire below (lower part of joystick; i.e. not the hole), so that you have a ground (earth) wire at all times.

1) The bottom is on of the more difficult parts, aside from the wiring, which we will get to in no time.

2) The bottom has to be around 3" high, in order to support and give the joystick as much leverage as possible.

3) Leave about 2" of space, so that you have access to the wiring in case anything goes wrong or needs to be replaced.

4) With the circle you cut out earlier, make cuts that overlap to create a small cup/bowl.

5) Then to make everything go smooth, attach the cut parts to each other with electrical tape and cover it all with electrical tape. This will ensure that the joystick will work smoothly.

1) In order to create the function of clicking left/right, cut out two small squares.

2) Then cover them in copper tape with a wire that is in-between the foam board and copper tape.

3) Attach each one to one of the two sections of copper tape with a hot glue gun (more copper tape will mess with conduction). This ensures that they will both be attached to the ground.

1) On the MakeyMakey, choose a ground (earth) function and all of the mouse functions.

2) Now, you may have to take the wires out again and again, so leave them out for this step.

3) DON'T glue the MakeyMakey and instead use the electrical tape.

4) For each piece of tape, make sure it covers at least have the side of the MakeyMakey.

5) Once you have gotten it secured, you may begin wiring to the MakeyMakey.

1) Once everything has been tested, glue the taped sides of the partial box (base), and the bottom. This allows for more stability.

2) Realise that it is not functional, and modify it once more, so that it can have more functionality.

1) Create four 6 in X 2 in foam board strips.

2) Cover the surface with some copper tape.

3) Take wires out from previous area.

4) Cut four squares of copper tape.

5) Attach the squares of copper tape onto the copper wire.

6) Attach to the foam-board-copper-tape-strips.

7) Attach wires to the MakeyMakey for the functions: up, down, left, right.

8) Test it on your computer on a tab or on the website provided :).

9) YOU FINISHED! Congrats! I hope you had so much fun doing this project :), just as I did.