A customizable gesture controller is disclosed for retro-fitting and forward-fitting into existing spaces or structures. One embodiment of the controller comprises a controller board configured to host software; a response layer comprising a plurality of sections arranged sequentially, each of the plurality of sections comprising: one or more center LEDs; one or more runway LEDs; and one or more touch sensors; and an overlay comprising: a glass overlay layer; and a graphic overlay layer comprising a plurality of button icons corresponding to the plurality of sections. The response layer further comprises one or more marks positioned at boundaries between each of the plurality of sections, the one or more marks being configured to identify locations at which to adjust lengths of the response layer using an application of force.