Dynamic Sim Lighting
Bob Waite
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Problem: New sim racers face high costs and complexity with traditional sim racing peripherals
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Solution: Created an affordable infrared module providing rich visual feedback for ambient lights with minimal setup.
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Features: A discreet infrared module with plug-and-play capability, and toggling between RPM, acceleration, and tire slip.
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Process: Iterative design based on user feedback, emphasizing ease of use, modularity, and seamless integration with ambient lighting.
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Outcome: An accessible, user-friendly device that enhances the sim racing experience for newcomers by simplifying setup and reducing costs.
Cliff Notes
I explored various solutions, prioritizing affordability, ease of use, and simple visual feedback.
Que the Lights
New sim racers often struggle with the high cost and complexity of effective peripherals. Traditional sim hardware is hard to set up and typically serves a single purpose, limiting access to essential data like RPM, acceleration, and missed gears. To address these challenges, I developed an affordable, discreet IR LED module that provides rich visual feedback with minimal setup, making it easier for newcomers to enhance their sim racing experience quickly and effectively.
Divergent Phase
Cost
High cost of existing feedback systems are prohibitive to new and casual sim racers.
Complexity
Difficulty in setting up and integrating devices with their sim rigs
Approachability
The need for versatile, real-time feedback without steep learning curves.
My initial research focused on understanding the barriers faced by new sim racers:
Iterating Simple Feedback
Various prototypes were accomplished with Arduino, GPT-generated python and javascript, and off-the-shelf electronic components. Discovery and experimentation illuminated criterion for our design:
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Simple setup process to ensure true plug-and-play functionality.
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Easy toggling between different telemetry data like RPM, acceleration, tire slip, and missed gears.
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Lightweight, discreet, no-fuss installation and configuration
We explored various solutions, prioritizing affordability, ease of use, and comprehensive visual feedback. The IR LED solution emerged as the best fit due to its simplicity and effective interaction with ambient lighting.
Jen found the plug-and-play design intuitive, correctly installing and running the software. She was able to understand and respond to RPM feedback and expressed great enjoyment in the spectacle of the lighting changing to her inputs
New Sim User: Jen
This is your Testimonial section paragraph. It’s a great place to tell users how much you value your customers and their feedback.
Experienced Sim User: Neil
This is your Testimonial section paragraph. It’s a great place to tell users how much you value your customers and their feedback.
Child Users
This is your Testimonial section paragraph. It’s a great place to tell users how much you value your customers and their feedback.
Enthusiast User: Bill
Parting Thoughts
By prioritizing ease of use, affordability, and comprehensive visual feedback, I created a modular IR LED tachometer that significantly improves the sim racing experience for newcomers. This user-centered, iterative design approach resulted in an innovative solution that simplifies setup, reduces costs, and enhances the overall user experience, making sim racing more accessible to everyone.