Recap:

I am designing a computer mouse in the style of ‘neumorphism’.

Neumorphism is an aesthetic commonly used in modern UI’s which originates from skeumorphism and glassmorphism. It is characterized by rounded shapes which appear to protrude and fade into a background of a similar shade and color. Typical color schemes contain neon/pastel blues and purples for accents, and a simple black or white for the background (depending on whether it is a light or dark ui setting). Text styling is typically thin and serif-free.

<neumorphism UI>

I chose a mouse because I want to replace my current Logitech G502. While I like the number of buttons, layout, and comfort, I do not like the aesthetic, software, wires, and age of it. By designing my own mouse, I can keep the things I like and improve the things I do not.

I am using SolidWorks Surfacing to design the outer shell of the mouse, along with the profile of the individual buttons. I will then split these into individual derived parts which have been turned into solids, and create the necessary mating and function features.

Update:

I have currently made over 6 individual versions of the outer shell. I am mostly satisfied with the feel of the current shell model so I think that aspect will remain relatively unchanged for the rest of the project. Here is the current profile:

I also did some button work on a previous version which is very similar in contour to the current version, but am going to change the button form as well as component colors in order to fit the aesthetic palette better. Here is that old version:

I am also changing the color palette away from this natural earthy color, and to a more ‘neumorphic’ palette. I plan on having the body be a matte white, with black and electric blue or purple accents (and potentially subtle lighting).

Requirements:

Here are my top 5 requirements:

What I want my mouse to do:

• Basic mouse functionality (L/R click, scroll, move mouse)
• Advanced mouse functionality (8+ programmable buttons, L/R scroll, Bluetooth connectivity)

How I want my mouse to feel:

• Ergonomic (comfortable and easy to use custom buttons)

How I want my mouse to look:

• Professional (not ‘gamer’, like a nice piece of equipment that isn’t corny)
• Subtly unique (make people do a double take, without the mouse calling attention to itself)

Prioritization:

For the scope of this class I believe it is most important to prioritize the two ‘look’ requirements, especially now that I have fulfilled half of the ergonomic requirement. I have very little computer science and electronics experience, and I want to avoid having a functional yet ugly project, so here is my list of priority:

1. ‘Look’ items
2. Basic mouse functionality
3. Ergonomics
4. Advanced mouse functionality
5. Advanced functionality ergonomics

Constraints:

As far as constraints go, I believe I have most of the project handled. I have the money, supplies, ideas, and room to work. I am skilled in SolidWorks and have learned how to effectively use surfacing. It is easy for me to sink time into personal design work, so allotting this so far has not been a challenge. 3D printing is relatively low cost, and I have a reliable personal printer (Prusa MK3s+) which allows me to rapidly iterate and complete manufacturing.

The constraints I primarily see is my lack of electronics and coding skills. I believe this to be overcome able however. I have:

• taken up to ‘Data Structures’ in C++
• fairly extensive experience in MATLAB
• personal connections with students experienced in these subjects
• online reference material of somewhat similar projects