I designed this TV remote as a mini project to address the many issues with the remote I have at home.
The remote that came with my cable service has so many buttons that finding a specific button can be confusing. It has multiple buttons for the same tasks, buttons grouped with unrelated buttons, and a large, awkward shape that is needed to fit all of these buttons onto one remote. The remote also lacks a clear visual hierarchy, as its buttons inconsistently use color, shape, and even name capitalization to communicate their functions.
I began by sketching fun ideas for TV remotes, but then sketched ideas that more closely addressed the issues that I found with my current remote.
I experimented with different button configurations until I arrived at one that both solved the issues with my current remote and was innovative in the current market of remotes.
This was the concept at which I finally arrived. In addition to the standard number, volume, channel, and power buttons, the concept features only 9 other buttons instead of the 40 extra buttons on my current remote. The concept has a function button that changes the central button cluster based on how the TV is going to be used, which eliminates the need for all of the extra buttons. It also features a bulb-shaped grip, which prevents the slipping that can occur with my current remote.
After some more sketching, I made physical models to test and refine the remote's form.
This image shows how the remote may look if it was produced. It shows the varying states of the central button cluster and an indication of possible materials and finishes. The remote has tactile buttons with small OLED displays instead of a touchscreen so users can operate the remote without looking.
