Driving Game with a Physical Steering Wheel (Steering Beyond the Keyboard)
For my final project, I want to create a simple driving game that is controlled using a real steering wheel instead of a keyboard. The idea is to change how we normally interact with games. Instead of pressing keys, the user will physically turn a steering wheel to control the car on the screen. I am interested in how this makes the experience feel more natural and more connected to the body.
I will be using an actual steering wheel that I can buy online and then connecting it to my Arduino setup. The steering wheel will be attached to a potentiometer so that when it rotates, the Arduino can read the change in position. This value will then be sent to p5.js using serial communication. I will also include a button that can be used to start or reset the game.
On the p5.js side, I will build a simple driving game. The player will control a car that can move left and right across the screen while the road moves forward. Obstacles will appear, and the player has to steer to avoid them. The position of the car will be directly linked to how much the steering wheel is turned, so the movement should feel smooth and responsive. I plan to include basic features like a score counter, a crash state, and a reset option.
The main focus of this project is not just the game itself, but the interaction. I want the system to feel clear and easy to understand. When the user turns the wheel, the car should immediately respond on the screen. This direct connection between input and output is important. It should feel like the user is actually controlling the movement in a physical way, not just pressing buttons.
I also want to make the setup look clean and intentional. I will build a simple base to hold the steering wheel and hide the wires. This will help the project feel more like a complete system rather than just loose components. I may also add small details like labels or lights to make the interaction clearer.
For inspiration, I looked at projects that use unconventional controllers and turn the interface into part of the experience. I also looked at previous student projects where the interaction was very clear and immediate. Those projects showed that even simple inputs can feel impressive if the response is well designed and easy to understand.
To build this, I will use basic Arduino tutorials for reading a potentiometer and sending data through serial communication. For p5.js, I will use examples that show how to read serial data and map values to movement on the screen. These will help me create a stable system before I focus on improving the visuals and overall experience.
Overall, this project is about making a simple but effective interactive system. By using a real steering wheel, I want to create a more engaging and physical way to play a digital game. The final result should feel responsive, intuitive, and easy for anyone to try without needing instructions.
