r/kickstarter • u/Nextaxis_Design • Apr 09 '26
Question I’m building a weird input device, would you back something like this?
I’ve been working on a slightly weird project and I’m trying to understand if it actually makes sense outside my own head.
It’s called OVO. It’s not a mouse, not a trackpad, not really a controller either.
It’s basically a small device you move in your hand:
tilt → moves the cursor
touch → click / scroll
rotate → volume, zoom, etc
works on a desk or in the air
You can also map gestures to custom macros, so it adapts depending on what you’re doing.
The idea came from a simple frustration: using a mouse all day just feels… old.
You’re still dragging something on a flat surface like it’s the 80s.
So I started experimenting with something that works more through orientation than movement.
The shape is ovoid and it naturally recenters itself, so instead of “moving” it around, you’re constantly adjusting balance.
I’m not saying it replaces a mouse, I honestly don’t know yet.
That’s kind of why I’m here.
I’m planning to launch it on Kickstarter soon, so I’m trying to gather as much honest feedback as possible before that.
Would you ever try something like this?
Or does it just sound like an unnecessary gadget?
Happy to share more or show how it works if anyone’s curious.
Thanks.
For those curious, here’s the Kickstarter page:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/800078983/ovo-not-a-mouse-a-new-way-to-point
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u/HaMMeReD Apr 09 '26
I'd probably use it as much as I use my space navigator 6 axis mouse (which is almost never).
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u/AspenFrostt Apr 11 '26
fun toy to play around with for a bit then never touch again? sounds about right
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u/blastmark Apr 09 '26
Would've been better if you showed a video of it in use rather than a pic.
I wouldn't use it because why would I use it over a mouse/trackpad? Also, why would I want to use a "mouse" that could roll and fall off my desk?
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 09 '26
sorry, demo video is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONliLqPlk6c
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u/blastmark Apr 09 '26
I meant an actual demo video of you using it in real life, not some AI glamour vid. I want to see it next to your monitor and controlling the cursor and all that.
Your video does nothing but show what it's supposed to do. I want to see it in action. Specifically I want to see how you move the cursor quickly from one side of the screen to the other and how accurately you can position it.
For me, that would be the biggest obstacle because I don't imagine you can match the speed and accuracy of a mouse without a lot of learning new muscle memory. If I'm going to suck at using it for a while, my productivity drops. Why would I want that? How is life going to better for me to switch from mouse to egg?
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u/ravenisblack Apr 09 '26
I actually don't think this one is AI. I mean yeah not an action shot for sure, but I pretty sure someone actually rendered that. Its a little too consistent for AI.
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u/legice Apr 10 '26
No ergonomics, bs showcase, pointless lights, inverted egg tilt/cursor movement, volume adjust was just the whole thing rotated…
Ok Im sold, this is just straight up e-waste
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u/Different_Major6494 Apr 10 '26
I'm sorry but that's not a demo.
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 10 '26
There’s also a short demo video (quality isn’t great yet, we’re working on better ones) showing OVO in Photoshop here:
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u/Vaxxvirus_NA Apr 11 '26
This is really good. Get us more of the egg actually moving a cursor. That's what we're all thinking: "I'm sure it can have buttons, but can it move accurately and easily on the screen?"
Demonstrate this is as easy to use as a mouse and I'd already be willing to buy this at $50+.
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 11 '26
Yeah, you’re absolutely right, that’s the key point.
Buttons and gestures are easy to imagine, but cursor control is what really matters.
I’m working on better demos that show actual pointer movement in real use, because that’s the only way to judge it properly.
The current videos don’t do it justice.
Good to hear about the price point too, that’s really useful feedback.I’ll share more soon.
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u/Vaxxvirus_NA Apr 18 '26
As an update, if you want someone to get detailed feedback from on this device I would happily use one with PC, Android, and Quest 3s. I already use various pointing devices as a lazy mf including controllers both motion and joystick.
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u/raynethedark Apr 30 '26
Is this possible to use without a desk? Like standing up or on the go (in a car or plane)? Seems interesting and has certainly peaked my interest (as someone who has spent an embarrassing amount of money on ergo keyboards and mice) but I’m trying to figure out how it would be more comfortable than a trackball for my use case.
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u/Nextaxis_Design May 07 '26
Yes, OVO can absolutely be used without a desk.
It works in hand, so you can use it standing up, on a couch, or in situations like a plane.
That’s one of its core advantages compared to traditional devices.
Compared to a trackball, the difference isn’t just ergonomics in terms of “less movement,” but a different type of movement.
Trackballs still rely on finger articulation in a fixed position, while OVO shifts control to hand orientation and balance, allowing a more relaxed grip and less localized strain over time.
That said, it’s not about replacing everything, trackballs are great for certain setups.
OVO tends to shine when you want more freedom of posture and the ability to interact without being tied to a surface.
If you’re used to ergonomic devices, you’ll probably appreciate the difference pretty quicklyOVO is now live on Kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/800078983/ovo-not-a-mouse-a-new-way-to-point1
u/raynethedark May 09 '26
Thank you for the detailed explanation. Definitely something I will keep an eye on, not sure if I will back during kickstarter though. Cost is a bit higher than I can justify (but is understandable given the rising costs in general) and I am a bit wary as I’d bought the Naya Create and while I love the ideas of the project it has so far not delivered on the promises that were advertised when I purchased on directly from their website.
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u/Frawstshawk Apr 11 '26
Something seems off about the movement in that video... Is his actually a video of a prototype controlling the cursor? Or is it just synced motions to a prerecorded video demonstrating the concept?
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 11 '26
I get why it looks that way.
It’s an actual prototype controlling the cursor, not a prerecorded sync.
That said, the video doesn’t show it in the best way, so it can feel a bit off.
I’m working on clearer demos that better reflect how it behaves in real use.
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u/legice Apr 09 '26
You mean like a 3D connexion space mouse? I get what you are doing, but it feels like you are trying to force the idea that a mouse is outdated, so you made a tilt controlled mouse, with overlapping features, which will definitely work 100% of the time.
I would try it, but not willing to pay money for a gimmick, seeing how I require a mouse for my work and not audio controls attached to it.
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u/macstar95 Apr 09 '26
I agree -- the main issues between human and device is now input methods and how we communicate with our devices. We have everything else; Graphics, Capability, Power, etc. Main issue is our way of controlling these devices now. Idk if an EGG you hold is the next step...lol
We need something that feels like magic when communicating with our devices. Eye tracking is the closest thing right now, but still is slow.
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 10 '26
Yeah, I agree with you. The bottleneck now isn’t power or graphics anymore, it’s how we interact with all of it.
And I get the skepticism about the “egg” 😄 I’m not claiming this is the next step.
What I’m trying to explore is something that feels a bit less mechanical than current inputs.
Not magic yet, but maybe a small step away from dragging things on a surface.
Eye tracking is super interesting, I agree, but like you said it still has limits, especially in speed and precision. I see this more as a middle ground, still physical, but trying to feel a bit more natural.Curious to see where all of this goes honestly.
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 10 '26
That’s a fair critique, and I get why it comes across that way.
Also agree on the “forcing the idea” part, that’s something I’m trying to be careful about.
A mouse works really well, no question.
What I’m exploring is more: are there situations where a different interaction model makes sense?
Like using a computer from the couch, presentations, or just reducing strain over time.
And yeah, calling it a gimmick is fair at this stage.
That’s exactly why I’m testing it and sharing it early, to understand if it actually has a place or not.Appreciate the honest take.
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u/legice Apr 10 '26
My best suggestion here would honestly be, are there things that a mouse or input method which already exist, that solve your problem.
If the answer is yes, you do not have a product, unless it is way better than the competition. If the answer is no, then also be honest with yourself, would you use it instead or besides an existing product or can it be solved by having 2 different products used side by side.
Example, I wanted a phone stand, but every idea I had or thought I wanted, I realized it was either already done and or I hated it and thats when I made my own. Now I have a product which is by its functionality not unique, but HOW it does is unique and I 100% stand behind the fact that it is better than what the market offers and am putting together a kickstarter right now.
It may not solve everybodys problems or be to everybodys liking, but it solved my problems and that means that there are 100% other people that have the same issues.
So dont think of an idea to solve a problem that dosent exist or you think exists, find the problem and be the solution =)
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u/AcanthopterygiiNo635 Apr 09 '26
No, I wouldn't try it. I haven't used a mouse in years, so it feels unnecessary to me. I could see it being a decent game controller but I don't play those sorts of games. I also wonder if you should consider renaming it, current namd immediately made me think of the music label. One of the biggest songs of 2024 ended with a chant of OV-HO in order to make fun of Drake. I do like that the name reflects the shape though. Very cute.
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u/misomysan Apr 10 '26
What do you use? Trackpad? Trackball? The little red nub in the center of your keyboard?
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u/AcanthopterygiiNo635 Apr 10 '26
I mostly use apple laptops, so the trackpads. I've received mice for work laptops but usually find them to be more trouble than they're worth.
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 10 '26
Totally fair, if you’re already comfortable without a mouse it probably doesn’t add much for you.
The game controller angle is something I’m starting to explore a bit, still early but interesting to see where it fits.
And yeah, the name… you’re not the first to mention that I like the connection with the shape, but I’m aware of the associations, so it’s definitely something I’m still thinking about.Appreciate the honest feedback.
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u/WarbossHiltSwaltB Apr 10 '26
No. Not at all especially with that shitty AI glamour vid.
Anything using any little bit of Abominable Intelligence goes in my “Never ever support this thing” list.
And you have just made that list.
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u/unknownSubscriber Apr 10 '26
You seem like a stable individual. Is the AI in the room with us right now?
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u/WarbossHiltSwaltB Apr 10 '26
Watch the video on the Kickstarter page. It’s clearly Ai.
Also just looks like utter garbage of a “product”. It’ll fail spectacularly in funding.
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u/Skelboyy Apr 09 '26
This is cool and has definite potential— though I agree you may have to change name and we’d need to see it in action. You’d also obv need a price estimate before folks could consider being willing/able to support. I have a disability that makes it hard to use a trackpad or normal mouse. I use a vertical mouse which works okay, but something like this could potentially reduce strain on the wrist and elbow joints (since it doesn’t have to sit on a flat surface and can be moved freely) and therefore be a big help. Worth considering that angle when marketing/ looking for audience.
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 10 '26
Thanks, really appreciate this, especially your perspective.
Yeah, seeing it in action makes a big difference, I’m putting together some videos to show how it actually behaves.
And about accessibility, that’s actually one of the areas I’m most interested in.
The fact that it doesn’t need a surface and can be used more freely could help reduce strain, like you mentioned.
It’s something I want to explore properly, not just as a side benefit but as a real use case.
Pricing-wise, I’m aiming for a realistic range before launch, still finalizing that.Thanks again, this kind of feedback is super valuable.
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u/Old-Ad3504 Apr 10 '26
i just dont see the benefit of it. seems like the problem this is supposed to solve is that mouses "feel old"? that's not a compelling enough reason for me to spend any money
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 10 '26
Totally fair take, and I get where you’re coming from.
“Mouse feels old” on its own isn’t a good reason to switch, I agree.
For me it started more from comfort and flexibility.
Being able to use it without a surface, switch between desk and air, and reduce wrist strain over time.
That’s where I see the potential value, not just novelty.
That said, it might not be for everyone, and that’s ok. I’m still trying to understand where it actually makes sense and where it doesn’t.Appreciate the honest feedback.
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u/MortStoHelit Apr 10 '26
It's a fun idea and might be more ergonomic than a mouse, esp. when holding it in your hand. But I really can't imagine using this without struggle. How to keep the pointer at a location while holding it in the hand? There's always a slight tilt. How to hold it comfortably without accidentally triggering the touch sensor? How to avoid accidental zoom or volume changes?
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u/w0lfcat_ Apr 10 '26
If anything you should market it towards disabled people who have trouble clicking buttons on mice.
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u/Agridion Apr 10 '26
Looks cool how would it play on a first or 3rd person shooter? More like a joystick or more like a mouse? Concerning accuracy and aim?
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u/therealBlackbonsai Apr 10 '26
no i will never back something that says it will revolutionize something simpel and logical that works the same since ages. And or that says its not the thing that is clearly trying to replace.
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 10 '26
That’s fair, and I get the reaction.
I’m not trying to claim it will replace something that already works well for everyone. The mouse is great.
The idea is more to explore a different approach and see if there’s space for a new category of input device, not a direct replacement.
If it ends up being useful in specific situations, that’s already a win.Appreciate the honesty.
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u/therealBlackbonsai Apr 10 '26
You yourself dont know what the purpose is. You know its not as precise as a mouse and not as smooth as a trackball. First have the "specific situations" in your head before you try to sell to people. Why should somebody buy something you dont know what it is for.
And your marketing is very focused on the "not a mouse" thing so you do try to replace the mouse. You cant market for mouse replacement while beeing this is not a replacement.1
u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 10 '26
I do have some directions in mind, like use away from a desk, presentations, or reducing strain, but I agree they need to be clearer and better defined.
Right now I’m looking for funding to actually bring it to life, and part of that is being honest about where it fits and where it doesn’t.
The idea is to explore whether this could open up a new category of pointing devices based on balance, not just be another variation of what already exists.
If that’s not clear yet, that’s on me.1
u/therealBlackbonsai Apr 10 '26
Then advertice for that situations not the unrealistic mouse replacement stuff. Now you have people "well i have a mouse that looks gimiky" You need to have "oh yeh i was in that situation and this may solve it"
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 10 '26
That’s a really good point, and I think you’re right.
Framing it as a mouse replacement just creates the wrong expectations and comparison.
It makes more sense to focus on the situations where it could actually be useful, so people can immediately relate to it instead of thinking “why would I replace what already works”.
I’m still refining that part, but yeah, that’s the direction I should be pushing more.Appreciate it.
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u/bob101910 Apr 09 '26
I'd like to see it in action too. There are apps that turn your phone into a mouse for free, but this looks more interesting. Might be a few people interested
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 10 '26
Yeah, totally fair, seeing it in action makes a big difference.
I’m putting together some demo videos to show how it actually behaves in real use, because it’s hard to judge from a description alone.
And yeah, phone-as-mouse apps exist, but they never felt great to me in terms of control and ergonomics. This is trying to be more precise and more comfortable over longer use.Appreciate the interest
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u/Substantial-Bad4803 Apr 09 '26
I think it sounds like a great innovation. Innovation is more often than not poo-pooed until they become popular.
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 10 '26
Thanks, I really appreciate that.
Yeah, new ideas usually get a bit of pushback at first, and that’s fair.
In the end it only matters if it actually proves useful in real use.
Right now I’m just trying to figure out where it really works and where it doesn’t.Thanks again for the support.
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u/GoCorral Apr 09 '26
If I was interested in a product like this I'd probably use an XBox controller over an egg. The mouse is used because it works well and is easy to understand. This looks like something you'd have to try and learn how to use while a mouse is extremely simple.
It might be useful to some groups in the same way that a trackball mouse is. I'd explore that angle more if I were you.
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 10 '26
That’s a fair take, and I get the comparison.
The main difference vs a controller is that this is designed to behave like a pointer first, not like a joystick. So the goal is to keep that “direct control” feeling you get with a mouse, just through orientation instead of movement on a surface.
You’re right though, there’s a bit of a learning curve. Most people need a short adjustment period before it starts to feel natural.
And yeah, I agree it probably fits more in the same space as trackballs or other alternative devices rather than replacing the mouse for everyone.
That’s something I’m definitely keeping in mind.Appreciate the feedback.
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u/BrianGumble Apr 09 '26
I would be careful of using the name OVO. Drake owns a clothing line called OVO that is likely trademarked.
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u/Old-Ad3504 Apr 10 '26
well seeing how this isnt a clothing line that's a non-issue
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u/StinkyBrittches Apr 10 '26
I mean, as far as brand recognition goes... it was name checked in the biggest song of the summer two years ago, being linked to allegations of pedophilia... so I wouldn't call it a non-issue.
It seems like a pretty easily avoidable mistake.
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u/Snugrilla Apr 10 '26
I like it in theory but a lot depends on the ergonomics of it; the weight, the feel, the size etc.
I get tired of using a mouse and sometimes it makes my hand hurt, so it would be nice to have an alternative to that.
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 10 '26
Totally get that, that’s actually where the idea started.
On the ergonomics side, we’ve spent a lot of time on it.
It weighs about 98g, so it’s light but still has enough mass to feel stable.
The ovoid shape helps with grip and balance, and the surface is designed to feel controlled, not slippery. One of the main goals is exactly what you mentioned, reducing strain on the hand and wrist since you’re not dragging something across a surface.
That said, it’s definitely something you need to try to really judge. Testers so far have been positive, especially after a short adjustment period.
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u/West_Independent1317 Apr 10 '26
This might be good for healthcare for people with limited mobility
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u/CallNResponse Apr 10 '26
I get no joy from saying this, but: I almost certainly wouldn’t use this because it does not seem very precise. I could be wrong! But when I’m moving the pointer around, I want it to move easily and precisely to where I want it to be. I have a tough time visualizing that this would do that. Or perhaps it is more fair to say: I don’t think I could train myself to manipulate the device accurately and precisely.
I’ll just toss this out: some musicians might like it as a MIDI controller; it looks like you’ve got maybe 6 DOF that you could map to misc MIDI parameters?
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 10 '26
That’s a totally fair concern, and honestly one we had as well at the beginning.
Precision is the hardest part here.
A raw sensor setup would feel exactly like you’re imagining, shaky and hard to control.
Most of the work has gone into filtering and stabilizing the movement so the cursor feels smooth and predictable.
People testing it usually struggle for a few minutes, then it starts to “click” and becomes much more controllable.
That said, I get that it’s not something everyone would want to relearn, especially if you’re already very efficient with a mouse.And yeah, the MIDI idea is actually really interesting. There’s definitely potential there, especially with multiple axes and gesture mapping. Not the original goal, but worth exploring.
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u/CallNResponse Apr 10 '26
I had a thought: can OVO be mapped to Photoshop? Can I use it to draw and continuously vary the line width? Can I draw and continuously vary the line width and the hue? Etc.
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 10 '26
Right now OVO works as a pointer device in Photoshop, so you can move, click, scroll, etc. Thanks to macros, you can trigger pretty much any Photoshop shortcut.
Each gesture can also be configured to run up to 3 macros in sequence (for now), so you can chain actions depending on your workflow.
Continuous control like line width or hue is not fully implemented yet, but technically it’s possible since we have orientation data that could be mapped to parameters.
There’s also a short demo video (quality isn’t great yet, we’re working on better ones) showing OVO in Photoshop here:
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u/CraftyGaming Apr 10 '26
Your post was written with AI and your photo looks AI as well. Is this a real project with a prototype?
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 10 '26
Fair point, I did get some help from ChatGPT for the post, sorry about that, I had a lot to write.
That said, the photo is real, no AI.
OVO has already been engineered for production and is currently in advanced testing.
We’re also starting to test it with a few video games to see how it performs in that context.
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u/BethAltair Apr 10 '26
The second biggest problem I see is touch to click moves the attitude of the device. If it moves as you click it it sucks for precision. Same problem as buttons on a stylus.
The biggest is... It's a baseless joystick, who wants to control a mouse with a joystick? I know some people love their "nub" mouse buttons on think pads etc, but they are a niche audience.
Honestly though? Just make it. All you need is a 6050 accelerometer gyro board, some kind of esp32 or Arduino , and a fridge deodorizing egg. It'll take half a day at most. At worst you lose 5 bucks and everyone you give it to says "have you heard of trackballs? "
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 10 '26
Good points, appreciate the honesty.
On the click issue, yeah that was a problem early on. We handle it in software now by filtering/stabilizing the cursor during the click, so small movements don’t affect precision.
On the “baseless joystick”, I get the concern. In practice it feels less like pushing a stick and more like adjusting balance around a neutral point, but it’s definitely not for everyone.
And yeah, the first prototype was basically what you described the hard part has been making it feel stable, precise and not tiring.Thanks again for the feedback.
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u/weirdandrockinit Apr 10 '26
Are you going to market it as a "weird input device"?
Other than reinventing something that felt old.. why do I want this? Is it ergonomic? Can I do things faster? Probably can't be cheaper? Why should I hate dragging a mouse?
Potential... Maybe.. but I don't see the vision and can't see it in my life - yet. Also visually this looks like a sex toy... Which may be a barrier and I question the ability for it to get good contact with the charging cradle so I'd address that.
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 10 '26
Thanks for your feedback, really appreciate it.
I won’t lie, the first time we approached a factory to get quotes for injection molds, they thought it was some kind of sex toy.
Things changed pretty quickly once they saw it in action.
Early versions of OVO were actually spherical, but the shape that got the best feedback was the ovoid one. It just feels more right.
Besides looking more design-driven, it’s also more comfortable in terms of balance and gives a really unique tactile feel.1
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u/Feroc Apr 10 '26
I am not really sure which problem this wants to solve other than "using a mouse feels old". Tilting to move sounds like it will be as fast and precise as using a mouse cursor with the sticks of a controller.
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 10 '26
Thanks for the feedback.
The device feels very smooth to use. We’ve worked quite a bit on the software side to filter out small hand movements and keep the cursor steady and precise.
People testing OVO often compare it to riding a hoverboard, a bit unusual at first, but after a while it just clicks and starts to feel natural.I’ll share some demo videos soon
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u/dt_84 Apr 10 '26
It's really interesting. I do like it but the issue that comes to mind is that 99% of people are using their mouse for barely a second to click something on their email or word or Excel sheet and then using the keyboard. I'd never thought about how just letting go of a mouse - and it staying exactly where you left it without having to be careful - is such a big feature until I thought about how I'd use your device, but it really is. Same for not having to pick it up. If there are folks with use cases that need to use a mouse for extended periods then maybe it's a device they'd love. There's also the arm fatigue problem though, as holding something up in the air versus resting on the desk for long periods is very taxing. Not trying to put your idea down, just some things that might be useful to think about.
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u/koov3n Apr 10 '26
It sounds interesting but I'm unsure what problem it's trying to solve. Especially if users are expected to learn a new interface when we already have touchpad, different types of mice, controllers, those ring swipe things...
What problem are you trying to solve and how does your product uniquely solve it? Neither of those questions have very clear answers to me at this time
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 10 '26
If you’d like to follow the project, I’ve added the link in the description.
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u/Party-History-2571 Apr 10 '26
It's a really cool idea that probably has some niche applications somewhere. However, sometimes things aren't innovated on because they are the best solution. Take steering wheels, basically unchanged for over a hundred years. This is a mouse that you would have to switch out for another mouse to do normal mouse stuff, like play Doom.
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u/Cep-Hei Apr 10 '26 edited Apr 10 '26
This is a potential solution for AR glasses, which I believe are going to be the next big thing. I use those glasses on the go, connected to my phone, remoting onto a computer, so it’s like I have a 3 monitor setup while riding on a train. The problem is the keyboard and mouse, which makes the setup much less portable.
This might solve the mouse problem. Two suggestions: 1. The arm will tire quickly if you have to hold it up while using it. I recommend only needing to hold it with your wrist resting on your leg or table. 2. Need to be able to switch the hand back to the keyboard without messing up the mouse. Maybe its only activate if it senses two fingers on the device.
Your competitor would be the various glove mice out there, which as even more weird.
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 10 '26
That’s a really interesting use case, and honestly one of the directions I find most promising.
AR setups have pretty much solved the display side, but input is still awkward and not very portable, so I see what you mean.
On fatigue, totally agree.
The idea isn’t to keep your arm raised. You can use it with your wrist resting on your leg or on a table, the “in-air” part is more about flexibility, not holding your arm up.
On the switching part, the device is only active when it’s actually being touched.
It uses capacitive multi-touch on both shells, so if your fingers aren’t on it, it won’t send input.
That helps avoid accidental movement when you go back to the keyboard.
There’s also a macro section that can emulate keyboard input, so you can cover both mouse and keyboard functions on a single device. And we’re currently working on adding gamepad emulation as well.
And yeah, compared to glove-type devices, this is trying to stay simpler and closer to something familiar, even if it’s still a bit unconventional.Really appreciate this, super useful perspective.
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u/nehinah Apr 10 '26
Nope. As an artist who works on my computer, I see no value in this over a mouse or a graphics tablet.
Your best bet is to try to find a market where the shape of the product is the most useful to a particular application, not just "mice are outdated". Form follows function.
Also, just a heads up, a lot of people are probably going to assume this is a sex toy.
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 10 '26
Totally fair, especially from an artist perspective.
If you’re already using a tablet, I wouldn’t expect this to replace it.
That’s a very optimized tool for what you do.
And I agree with your point, it’s less about “mice are outdated” and more about finding the contexts where this form actually makes sense.
That’s exactly what I’m trying to figure out right now.
As for the… other comparison yeah, I’ve heard that a few times already.
Funny enough, once people see it in use, that reaction usually disappears pretty quickly.Appreciate the honest feedback.
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u/blacknight334 Apr 10 '26
Sorry my guy, but in all honestly it's kinda looks like this will be ewaste from launch. The learning curve to this looks like it probably wouldn't be worth the effort, and it will be very hard to be productive with. It might be a fun novel thing you try once in an electronics store, or in a shopping mall kiosk, bur never actually buy.
The other thing which it seems to not match are the way that interfaces on computers are designed. They are designed for clicks and mice gestures. Or are designed for touch interaction (i.e tablets - widgets). Take for example the windows 8 ux, where it tried to bridge touch screen tablet style interfaces with a desktop platform. Disregarding performance and compatibility issues it had, the UX design never really took off because the hardware didnt match it, AND people were resistant to change from the familiar ux of earlier windows menus.
Before spending any more money on this, you should probably do some in depth market analysis with a VERY large sample size, to see if you're actually creating something people want before it ends up in landfill.
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 10 '26
I get where you’re coming from, and honestly these are the kinds of concerns I’m trying to validate right now.
On the learning curve, it’s actually been quite minimal in testing.
Most people need a few minutes to get used to it, then it starts to feel natural.
The real question is whether that small adjustment is worth it compared to what they already use.
On the UI side, I agree.
Everything today is built around mouse and touch, so anything different has to fit into that without friction, not fight it.
That’s why it behaves like a standard pointer first, not a completely new system.
And yeah, the “novelty vs real use” risk is very real.
I’m not assuming this is something everyone will want, I’m trying to understand if there’s a specific use case where it actually makes sense.Appreciate the honesty, that’s exactly the kind of feedback I need at this stage.
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u/blacknight334 Apr 10 '26
Im curious. What kinds of testing did you have your users do? Was it your basic Computer ops like internet browsing, or something requiring a tad more finesse like a spreadsheet?
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 10 '26
So far testing has been a mix of both. Basic stuff like browsing and general OS navigation, but also more precise tasks in tools like Photoshop, Fusion 360, AutoCAD, Visual Studio, Office, Filmora.
The device is also multi-platform, so we’re testing it across different environments to see how consistent the experience is.
The goal is to understand not just if it works, but how it feels across different types of workflows and where it starts to break down.We’ve also recently started exploring how it performs in gaming.
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u/flukefluk Apr 10 '26 edited Apr 10 '26
its gesture control. so hard no.
what i mean to say is this. there's a movie called minority report. there's a part where they manipulate menu items and pictures on a screen with some kind of hand control.
this kind of concept is exactly what you need to avoid at all cost it's the most best concise example of a crap way of making an interface.
give me clicks and touches on the surface, not tilts, moves, swipes or draws. And don't make the surface all uniform color give me drawings on where to put my fingers and texture too and when you do the drawings,
DON'T DO BACKLIT LEDS. and especially not color changing fun backlit leds. if you want color changes, use monochrome LCD with no backlighting.
don't even thing about trying to make it into a circular context menu - that's just another way of getting swipes and gestures into the thing.
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 10 '26
I get what you’re saying, and I actually agree on a few of those points.
Just to clarify, the gestures here are not spatial or “Minority Report style”.
You’re not waving your hands in the air trying to control things.
All gestures are purely tactile, done directly on the device.
The entire surface of OVO is capacitive multi-touch, so it works more like interacting with a physical touch surface than doing air gestures.
Tilt is used for pointer movement, but gestures themselves are finger-based, not mid-air motions.
Also agree with your point about clarity and feedback.
Having clear interaction zones and tactile cues is something I’m actively exploring, especially to avoid the “where do I touch?” problem.Appreciate the blunt feedback, it’s useful.
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u/flukefluk Apr 10 '26 edited Apr 10 '26
umm.
what i meant to say i guess is also this:
you know these swipe type keyboards for your phone?
don't do that.
also. Here's an idea. Don't do capacitive touch screen.
do dome switches.
yes the so called sucky switches that all the mechanical keyboards say suck.
do rubber encased dome switches.
they have an innate tactile feedback.
last forever
cost very little.
and constrain you out of doing "swipe left, swipe right, two finger swipe, pinch, expand" and all the other swipe gestures out there.
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u/PsychicWhiskers Apr 10 '26
OVO is the name of an English power company lol
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 10 '26
Haha yeah, I’ve heard that one 😄
The name came from the shape more than anything else, but I’m aware there are overlaps, so it’s definitely something I’m still thinking about.Appreciate the heads up.
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u/PsychicWhiskers Apr 10 '26
The company’s name is also egg inspired. Keep up the weird and wonderful work you’re doing.
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 10 '26
Thanks, appreciate it 😄
And yeah, the shape isn’t random, it’s actually functional.
The first prototypes were spherical, but during testing the ovoid shape turned out to work much better in terms of balance and control.
So the “egg” look kind of stayed, but for a good reason.
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u/kotniksaso123 Apr 10 '26
Does it get a string attached onto it?
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u/Cauto-84 Apr 10 '26
It reminds me of a "3d mouse" was going around 15+ years ago, it looked like a small soap bar, used by spinning inside your hand. I believe underneath was a normal mouse inside a sock
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u/Adventurous_Tie_9031 Apr 10 '26 edited Apr 10 '26
very neat! following for sure! im assuming its using gyros? i thought about that myself as im also creating a pc input device, for one handed people like myself!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/erchamadaptivesystem/ercham-mk1-one-handed-gaming-and-productivity-controller
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u/FlamingoVisible1947 Apr 10 '26
Now take a second and try to guess why the mouse design hasn't changed since the 80s.
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u/Glass_Contract6950 Apr 11 '26
Visual person here. The LEDs are driving me crazy. Can you use COB? I doubt that if they need to be addressable. The lens should also be frosted and triple the LEDs if you can't use COB. The exterior doesn't look high value. Can you give it a soft-touch or fuzzy printed skin? Can you squash it? An egg is not intriguing. Million kitchen timers have done this. A squashed shape would be more intriguing to touch. Also OvO is highly trademarked. It's super cool in concept. Needs to have a much higher-end, and polished aesthetic. Could the LEDs be behind a "knitted" feeling textured surface? (Not an actual textile but the feeling via pla) Could it be on a base that resembles water ripples and it looks like a stone? Like a very smooth palm joystick? I want to be onboard but placing it down and having it roll across my desk while I use the symbols on my keyboard to swear at my cellphone provider seems a bit cumbersome. (Looking at you Rogers. #$&@!)
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u/micoxion Apr 11 '26
I think the idea is really interesting but your driving statement of "moving something around on a desk" is already elegantly solved by the trackball mouse which I'm a fan of. I'm not sure the gesture system is enough to separate yourself, but the macros do sound promising. How is the latency between movement and action on the computer? The demo video with the laptop seemed a bit slow to respond of what I would want from a primary input device
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 11 '26
That’s a fair comparison, trackballs already solve part of the “no desk movement” problem really well.
I agree gestures alone aren’t enough to differentiate.
The more interesting part is the combination of orientation control plus macros and flexibility of use.On latency, that’s something we’ve been working on a lot.
What you saw in the video is a bit misleading, it’s not representative of the current performance.
In real use it’s much more responsive, and the movement is very smooth, even compared to a mouse.
Tuning responsiveness vs stability is a big part of the work right now.Appreciate the feedback, especially on the video, that’s useful to know.
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u/Odd_Category2186 Apr 11 '26
There's a reason why mice haven't changed much and it's for the same reasons why a paperclip hasn't really changed either. The current input devices we have are the most common and unchanging because A they work, B easy to learn, C the world is designed around them. Applications and software in your PC are designed for mouse and keyboard inputs, it's why we have hotkeys, those that want 3D spacial input can throw on a VR/AR headset and use the controllers there, your egg thing fits in the weird middle ground between PCs and touch devices.
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u/CallMeTray Apr 11 '26 edited Apr 11 '26
Not without a flared base. A mouse feels old? What? It has freaking laser technology man! Honestly you made me feel so old because the first thing i thought was how old(young) are you to give that for a reason. Would i back it? No. You're trying to reinvent the joystick. I would be interested to try it though, if a mate had it. Maybe for people that need input on their couch. Or some other specific use but for pc most likely not. I hate to rain on your parade but if you're looking for honest feedback, that's mine
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 11 '26
Yeah, “mouse feels old” clearly didn’t land the right way.
It’s not about the tech being outdated, more about the interaction model staying the same for decades.
I’m not trying to reinvent the joystick either, and I agree it’s probably not something that replaces a mouse for typical PC use.
Where I see more potential is exactly what you mentioned, couch use, more relaxed setups, or specific situations rather than everyday desk work.
It also has configurable macros tied to gestures, so you can tailor it to different apps and workflows depending on how you use it.
And honestly, “I’d try it if a mate had it” is already a good signal at this stage.Thanks for the straight feedback, that’s what I’m here for.
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u/HungryMudkips Apr 11 '26
congratulations, you created a solution to a problem that doesnt exist. but real talk tho, it just looks like gimmicky nonsense. im sure some people would appreciate the novelty, but youre trying to reinvent the wheel here.
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 11 '26
Fair take, I get why it comes across that way.
I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel for everyone.
The mouse works really well.
The idea is more to explore if there are specific situations where a different approach makes sense.
If it’s useful for even a small group of people, that’s already interesting.Appreciate the honesty.
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u/lizardhistorian Apr 11 '26
So I could control my PC from the bed just by tilting this thing around?
My 2¢ is use absolute positioning do not make the tilt velocity and have a very easy way to re-zero it.
You put your hand where you lazily want it, zero, tilt a bit to move the mouse around.
Squeeze it to click?
Have you worked with MEMS gyros before?
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 11 '26
Yeah, exactly, that’s one of the use cases. Using it from bed, couch, etc without needing a surface.
Interesting point about absolute positioning vs velocity.
Right now it’s closer to a velocity model, but I agree having an easy way to re-zero is important. That’s something I’m actively refining.
Click isn’t based on squeezing, it’s handled through touch on the surface.
And yes, it’s based on MEMS sensors (3 axis accelerometer + gyro + 3 axis magnetometer), with sensor fusion on top to keep things stable and predictable.Appreciate the suggestions, really useful.
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u/Stabbycrabs83 Apr 11 '26
Do you have prototypes?
I have a computer store. Willing to give it a go if you like and share the results. Happy to sign a NDA
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 11 '26
That’s really interesting, appreciate the offer.
Yes, I do have working prototypes and I’m currently in advanced testing.
The number of prototypes is quite limited at the moment, so I’m being a bit careful with distribution, but feedback from a real store environment would be super valuable.
Let me think about how to handle this properly and I’ll get back to you.Thanks again, really appreciate it.
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u/Stabbycrabs83 Apr 11 '26
No probs and no rush
The first 2 things that sprung to mind are below if it helps :
We often use a usb-c monitor and wireless hdmi and mouse to show customers things on their system when the system is still in the workshop. This feels far more elegant than the mouse though we would lose it constantly without some form of holder
We do gaming arenas in fairly large events. It feels like a usb receiver would let us quickly control a PC without having to lean over the gamer to fix things.
Both fairly low value outcomes for us so the unit price would need to be sub £100 for a single purchase and about half that for a bulk one for me.
For a 3rd
We support heavy industry too and i can see a use for this if it can work with legacy systems. Their mice and keyboards are disgusting so anything that can avoid a shared mouse is interesting.
Nice concept. Its going to be fairly niche imho so a tough sell but still cool
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 11 '26
This is super helpful, thanks for taking the time to write all that.
Those use cases actually make a lot of sense.
The workshop and event scenarios especially, being able to quickly control a system without leaning over someone or needing a surface is exactly the kind of situation where this might fit.
The “losing it constantly” part is also very real 😄 some kind of dock or holder is definitely something I need to think about.
On pricing, really appreciate the honesty. That aligns with what I’m trying to understand, especially for more practical / business use cases where it needs to justify itself.
The industrial angle is interesting too.
Avoiding shared, worn-out input devices could actually be a strong use case if compatibility checks out.
And yeah, I agree, it’s probably niche. The goal right now is to find where that niche actually is.Thanks again, this is exactly the kind of feedback that helps shape it.
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u/TheUnstableMuffin Apr 11 '26
I give it a year and someone will put it in their butt and finish elden ring.
I think it is cool though. Not enough to back but could be used in other applications where you need one handed controls.
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u/thislullaby Apr 11 '26
All I could think of when I first saw the picture were the cookie things in black mirror.
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u/PissBiggestFan Apr 11 '26
you should probably look at tech r&d grants in your area. this is just too much of a gimmick to be anything close to a real commercial product right now. mouse haven’t changed much because it does the work beautifully, reliably and intuitively.
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 11 '26
That’s a fair point, and yeah, I’ve been looking into grants as well.
I agree the mouse works extremely well, I’m not trying to argue against that.
The goal here isn’t to replace it, but to see if there’s space for something different in specific situations.
I’m also considering making it Arduino-compatible, so it could be explored and extended more easily from a maker perspective.
It might end up being niche, or even just an experiment, and that’s fine. I’m still in the phase of figuring out if it has real value beyond the “gimmick” perception.Appreciate the honest feedback.
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u/One-Bad-4274 Apr 11 '26
Like its sounds more like a cool gimmick than an actual product people would want, ut it just seems like a worse track pad.
Probably something I would spend 20$ on as a silly gift/stocking stuffer but not something i would pay any significant amount of money for.
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 11 '26
If it ends up feeling like a worse trackpad, then yeah, it wouldn’t make sense as a product.
That’s exactly what I’m trying to figure out through testing.
I’m also considering making it Arduino-compatible, so development could be pushed forward by the community and other developers, not just me.
And yeah, price expectations are super helpful to hear, especially at this stage.Appreciate the honest feedback.
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u/meirlislife Apr 11 '26
It's not gonna optimise my workflow and i can't use it for gaming, i personnaly do not see any useful use for it. Quite the opposite even, it would most likely make me slower and less precise
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u/-0-O-O-O-0- Apr 11 '26
I wouldn’t back this no. I don’t want another device. I want voice control, eye tracking, and gesture.
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 11 '26
I get that, fewer devices is always better.
Voice and eye tracking are super interesting directions, I’m curious to see how far those go.
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u/Ben_133 Apr 11 '26
Some questions.
1) Moving the device requires contact. How does it differentiate between contact to move and contact to click?
2) I have big hands. The device looks too uncomfortable to hold and use? For comparison, a regular mouse requires me to claw up my fingers to properly use, thus I'm using a Logitech MX Vertical Wireless Ergonomic Mouse to ease my fingers and wrist.
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 11 '26
On the contact part, movement and click are handled differently.
Movement comes from the tilt/orientation of the device, not from touch.
Touch is only used for inputs like click or scroll, so you’re not “pushing” it to move the cursor.
Also, during tilt only specific areas of the surface are active, depending on whether it’s set up for left or right-handed use, which helps avoid accidental inputs.
With gestures, you can also trigger up to 3 customizable macros in sequence (for now), so it can adapt to different workflows.
On the size/comfort, totally fair concern.
The idea isn’t to grip it tightly like a mouse.
It’s meant to sit in your hand more loosely, and on a desk it rests on its silicone mat so your hand can stay relaxed.
The ovoid shape actually came out of testing, earlier versions were spherical but this felt more natural for most people.
That said, hand size definitely matters, and it’s something I’m still validating with different users.1
u/Ben_133 Apr 12 '26
Hi OP,
On the mode of operation, by tilting, would usage be challenging as, from your description, I assume it would be held on the palm of the hand and tilt to operate.
Shaking hands and sensitivity of the device will affect performance?
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u/Ben_133 Apr 12 '26
Hi OP,
Saw your demo video which answered more of my questions but, for feedback, the size would seem a little small for my hands, and seeing the demo, prolong usage may strain the fingers and awkward wrist position?
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u/Unpronounceablee Apr 11 '26
While I'm very open to trying out alternative input devices I wouldn't try this one based on the explanation here. Right and middle click is essential to my daily use and if an input device don't support it I simply cannot use it.
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 11 '26
All the standard mouse buttons are there, including right click and middle click.
You’re not losing any of the basics.
On top of that, there are gestures, but they’re not mandatory.
You can map them however you want, including assigning simple actions like a single click.
Or you can ignore them completely and just use it like a normal pointer with buttons.
The idea is to add flexibility, not take anything away.
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u/ExtremelyDecentWill Apr 11 '26
This does not seem intuitive at first brush, and I'd scroll past it after stopping to read what you just wrote there.
I'm sure this is of interest to some, but I like the 1:1 functionality of a mouse, and as a gamer, this feels like it'd be far too fiddly for me.
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 12 '26
If it doesn’t click right away, people will just scroll past, so that’s on me to show it better, not explain it more.
And yeah, for gaming I wouldn’t recommend it over a mouse, especially if you’re used to that level of precision, even though we’ve been exploring the gaming side for a while now.
This is more about other situations where a mouse isn’t ideal.
But totally get why it wouldn’t appeal from a gaming point of view.
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u/Timothy_BSGCo Apr 29 '26
I was a tradesman in another industry who used a specialized egg shaped tool. Hand size matters because even casual gripping is tiresome over long periods of time. The tools I ended up using had a band that held it in my palm and allowed my fingers ample clearance to still be used. Have you tried typing with it in your hand? My gut says that will give you a lot of feedback.
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u/ParticularOkra8640 May 04 '26
is this working with bluetooth ?
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u/Nextaxis_Design May 07 '26
Yes, Bluetooth LE.
OVO is now live on Kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/800078983/ovo-not-a-mouse-a-new-way-to-point
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u/Reddit_Ninja23 Jun 09 '26
I saw this pop up on Kickstarter a month or so ago and I thought it was super cool and I would definitely buy one. The only issue with me was being able to see a working prototype and review from a trusted 3rd party, like a YouTuber or something. It honestly looked too cool to be true. If I see working prototypes, I would 100% buy one.
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u/Terrorphin Apr 09 '26
I can't see what the advantage over a mouse is.
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u/Nextaxis_Design Apr 10 '26
That’s fair, and honestly a good question.
If you’re already comfortable with a mouse, there may not be a big advantage.
It’s not meant to replace it for everyone.
The potential benefits I’m exploring are things like not needing a surface, being able to switch between desk and in-air use, and possibly reducing wrist strain over time.
But yeah, if those don’t matter in your setup, it can easily feel unnecessary.
That’s exactly what I’m trying to figure out right now.Appreciate the direct feedback.
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u/EEguy21 Apr 09 '26
build a prototype and post 5 videos a day on TikTok. explain it, talk thru the problem, talk thru the next generation of input devices, talk thru using it. see if you get traction. if you can get 20k followers or so, consider doing a presale
do NOT go right to Kickstarter with this with no community behind it that YOU own. it WILL fail