Jumpstart racing simulator

A low-cost, ergonomically designed racing simulator with customizable controls for an immersive and accessible driving experience

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Inspiration

Racing simulators are either expensive for casual users or lack realism for serious drivers. There are a number of racing simulators that could be difficult for a beginner to operate and understand the different functionalities of a button.

What it does

JSR SIM is a low-fidelity racing simulator featuring:

  • A customized steering wheel with a new design for improved grip & control.
  • Rear-mounted buttons for seamless control (Accelerator and brake as buttons instead of pedals for people with accessibility issues.)

How we built it

  • Hardware: 3D-printed steering wheel, potentiometer (for steering wheel), rear buttons.
  • Software: Designed in Fusion, integrated with Arduino for input tracking.
  • Assembly: Modular components for easy customization and upgrades.

Challenges we ran into

  • 3D Printing Limitations – Design constraints and unforeseeable circumstances regarding the timeframes.
  • Time Constraints – Long print times delayed iterations, making rapid prototyping challenging.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

  • Successfully Designed & Built a Working Prototype – We developed a low-fidelity racing simulator with a custom steering wheel and adjustable pedals, providing a foundation for future high-fidelity improvements.

  • Ergonomic & Innovative Steering Wheel Design – Our non-circular steering wheel (inspired by the VS Studio logo) enhances grip, comfort, and control, making it a unique take on racing simulator hardware.

  • Integrated Functional Rear-Mounted Buttons – Added rear paddle-style buttons to simulate real-world gear shifting, improving accessibility and ease of use.

What we learned

  • Importance of Ergonomics in Racing Simulators – Designing a non-traditional steering wheel shape required balancing comfort, grip, and usability for extended gameplay. Also, making it user-friendly for all backgrounds.

  • Challenges of 3D Printing & Prototyping – We experienced print failures, material constraints, and long build times, reinforcing the need for efficient design iteration.

  • Modular Design Thinking – We structured our simulator to be easily upgradable, making it possible to improve features without starting from scratch.

  • User-Centric Design – By testing different layouts, we prioritized accessibility and adaptability, ensuring the simulator can work for various users.

What's next for Jumpstart Racing Simulator

  • High-Fidelity Prototype Development – Upgrade the current low-fidelity model with load cells, hydraulic dampers, and improved materials for realistic force feedback.

  • Advanced Game Integration & Telemetry – Implement real-time data tracking for lap-time analysis, pedal force measurement, and racing performance insights.

  • Customization Features – Allow users to adjust pedal sensitivity, steering resistance, and button mapping for a personalized experience.

  • Expanded Accessibility Features – Refine design ergonomics to accommodate different hand sizes, foot pressures, and potential adaptive controls for inclusive gaming.

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