Making Custom Hardware

Ok /prog/

I want to build my own hardware for my computer but have no clue where to start.  My design will be simple game controller with 6 buttons (up, down, left, right, A, start).  I would LIKE a usb connection, but a serial port or parallel seems more simple.

I also need to program it.  What would be the best method for making custom drivers?

Are there any good tutorials for making simple hardware like this? (I'm running window XP)

>>38
When advising people to learn a higher-level programming language, do you also tell them to ``learn Compiler''? Because that's how retarded that sounds.