Keyboard replacements for people with special needs, developed by Ventspils-based video game controller manufacturer Azeron, have not only changed the world of software and video games but have also opened up incredible opportunities to play video games and integrate into society for people with various physical limitations that make it impossible to do so with standard computer peripherals (keyboard, mouse). The product is designed as an ergonomic video game mouse and a computer keypad, which allows users to play games or work with software with one hand.
“Currently, we export our products to more than 100 countries worldwide. We understand that to grow and reach new heights, we need to continue to invest in the growth of our company and look for different funding opportunities – project competitions and support programs. A valuable cooperation has been established with the Ventspils representative office of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), which regularly provides information about the latest news and announced project competitions, calls for proposals, including the Norway Grants support programme,” says Eva Daigina, Project Manager at Azeron.
Azeron received support from Norway Grants for almost EUR 63,000 to develop a new, fully automated 3D prototype design and an online ordering platform (technology) under the "Business Development, Innovation, and SMEs" programme. The project's total cost, “Development of a fully adaptable keypad prototype for software and video games designed for people with special needs,” was EUR 179,000.
E. Daigina: “The idea for the project came from the company’s close relationship with its customers, who regularly share their thoughts, feedback, and recommendations on social networking services. Some of our customers are people with special needs who have started playing video games or working with 3D modeling, photo and video editing software, for example, with the help of our products.”
During the project, Azeron developed prototypes of the modules and the platform and strengthened its cooperation with Riga Stradins University (RSU) research institute Kleisti. This collaboration included testing the keypad modules, during which ergonometric measurements were taken, and data on the load on the hand muscles were analyzed using a computer keyboard and various modules developed within the project.
The project also led to cooperation with high-level professionals from the AS Kaizen Institute Norway. The partner’s representatives visited Azeron’s production site, where they worked for nearly three days in intensive sessions to prepare an assessment and make recommendations for improving the production processes.
Azeron’s products are unique in the video games industry and are increasingly used with various software. These ergonomic solutions can be tailored to each customer’s hand – Azeron is one of the few manufacturers offering keypad production for left-handed people.
E. Daigina explains: “Previously, making a keypad for customers with finger or hand deformities required individual communication, and each version was only made in a single piece. The prototype of the bespoke platform developed as part of the project now allows the product to be tailored more efficiently to each user’s needs, not only by providing a choice of model size, palm rest type, and color combinations but also the possibility to change modules that are particularly suitable for people with partial finger amputations or limited mobility. For example, some customers prefer a thumbstick instead of the buttons for the index finger.”
Founded in 2019 and with over 100 employees, Azeron exports its products to thousands of customers worldwide every year, with the largest customer base in the USA, Japan, UK, France, and Germany. The company is also proud to count among its customers world-famous video game players and YouTubers with thousands and millions of followers.
With the support of the Norway Grants, Azeron could proceed with implementing the planned ideas and make significant steps in developing the product modules and ordering platform, successfully turning the ideas into reality. The company is committed to implementing new innovative solutions and actively pursuing new funding opportunities.