How Ikea Turned a Controller Thumbstick Into the Star of Its Xbox Gaming Range

{"#Ikea'sDesignInspiration":"Ikea's product design developer Philip Dilé wanted to show off the company's latest creations, the Brännboll gaming collection, at Milan Design Week. The Brännboll collection aimed to step away from sharp edges, RGB lighting, and a black color palette, focusing on a more home-friendly aesthetic.","TheThumbstickStool":"The thumbstick stool, a key feature of the Yxstaby gaming collection, was designed by David Wahl, an Ikea designer who had previously queued for the first Xbox. The stool was based on the Nilserik, an existing Ikea product with a rounded base, and was designed to mimic the Xbox controller's thumbstick.","DesignProcess":"The thumbstick stool went through various prototyping stages, including 3D printing, to ensure comfort and maintain the iconic shape. The team added rubber rings for grip, inspired by the Elite controller's thumbsticks. The stool also includes a hidden message, 'Hej from Älmhult,' to gamify the collection."}