Remote Redux
UX/UI Concept Project
Recently, while working on a UX/UI project, I spent some quality time with a device I've always loathed: the television remote.
tactile buttons for frequently used functions, digital inputs for selection.
2 types of interactions commonly occur when using a remote control: utility functions and content interactions. Both need to be addressed when focusing on usability.
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Utility Functions – Users should be able to do certain interactions without looking at the remote (volume up and down, navigate through on-screen menus). Tactile buttons in an asymmetrical layout allow users to identify the remote's orientation and select the intended input without having to look at the remote after a few uses.
Content Interactions – Accessing desired content should be simple. Favorite channels/shows, saved DVR recordings and apps can be selected on the remote, triggering a series of functions (selecting inputs, changing channels, launching apps and selecting content within loaded apps).
A. Physical Power Button
Turn on remote, or power off all devices with a button press.
B. Touchscreen Interface
C. Universal Menu
Selection launches 'Menu' system for whichever hardware is currently in focus.
D. Universal Volume
E. Physical, 4 Direction Control + Center Select
control & Settings from one sign-in
Logging in with the remote automatically carries your settings, favorites and options.
personalized main menu per user
Each user has a personalized main menus with quick access to their most used content.
dedicated remote interfaces per app
Touch interface changes based on the app or hardware source in focus.
1 Button Automated Action chains
With the increasing interconnectedness of hardware and software, it should be relatively straight forward to automate a series of actions within the remote's software. The remote would run through each Action Chain function by function as each is successful.
simple, easy-to-use text input
My #1 gripe with every control device made in the last decade is that we are left to input text on a tv screen like our grandparents using a keyboard for the first time. Even though Boxee produced a remote with a keyboard on the back over 5 years ago, no one else seemed to jump onboard. (unless you count Apple's Remote app for iOS, but I don't)
+ Turn 90º for Text Input
+ Text, Numbers & Special Characters
+ Results display on remote screen, so user doesn't have to keep looking back and forth at screen/remote.
