The Xbox Adaptive Controller and Accessibility

Originally posted on devintea.wordpress.com July 25th, 2018.

How many times are "accessible" supports for people with disabilities less than accessible? Lack of a curb cut by the ADA parking spots in lots, impossibly steep wheelchair ramps, or accessibility tools that someone has to ask for (if there's a wheelchair ramp for it to be brought out, assistance for a wheelchair friendly lift, etc).

So, when Microsoft released their packaging for the Xbox adaptive controller, it was a refreshing to see packaging that made the controller easier to, you know, access. The packaging opens easily with just one tab, and features oval loops that make removing the controller easier. Why is this packaging so successful for people with difficulties opening traditional packaging? The designers utilized the easiest and most obvious strategy that seems to evade so many others; they actually asked those people for help in creating the packaging for the adaptive controller.

Designer Mark Weiser and design researcher Scott Wang worked with gamers with limited mobility, testing hundreds of designs before arriving at the final product.

“I don’t think you realize, until you’re required to think differently, what you take for granted. As a designer, when you see things through a completely different lens, it’s paradigm-shifting.” says Kevin Marshall, creative director of Microsoft’s Packaging Design Studio.

Hopefully other major studios are soon to follow Microsoft's example with not only adaptive controllers, but with a full experience that benefits people with limited mobility and the public as a whole.