![]() This issue eventually caught someone’s attention and design and usability were re-introduced into the equation… briefly. There finally reached a point where users said, “There are too many buttons! How do I use this thing?”. ![]() Problem solved! When I look at this thing, I’m wondering when they parted out the control panel for the space shuttle (5). Imagine all the functions of all these devices consolidated into one remote. Now, with a proliferation of remotes, the aftermarket seemed to notice that all these remotes were becoming a problem, so they said, “Why not offer users a single remote that could control all of their devices?”. Unfortunately, the mold was set for boxes with buttons delivering the latest conveniences for the budding couch potatoes. These early ancestors could have been the evolutionary branch towards a more user-friendly product. At this point, marketing got involved and added more buttons… and more buttons… and more buttons, until every function on the device was accessible from the comfort of your couch. Designed from a manufacturer’s dream, they had become plastic boxes with a circuit board, and an ever-increasing array of buttons for each new function. With the proliferation of remotes across all these devices, you’d think designers would have paid some attention to them, but being such a commodity, they were overlooked and added merely to check a box on a list of marketing features. And let’s give props to the folks on Zenith’s marketing team for having the clairvoyance to fully understand the lasting benefit of this remarkable device by naming the very first remote “Lazy Bones” (1). Let’s take a moment and give props to Eugene Polley, the father of the remote first introduced in 1950. But we all agree on one thing at DesignThink, the remote has stayed true to its main mission, enabling couch potatoes everywhere. Early remote designs reflect form following function, later giving way to the emergence of ergonomics and eventually to current UX driven design practices. What is interesting when viewed from a macro level, is the evolution of the remote is a snapshot of how the design process itself has evolved. We recently had a discussion in the office about the ubiquitous, yet humble remote control. The biggest innovation at the time for convenience and accessibility was the almighty TV remote, or clicker if you are old enough to remember the loud “click” the buttons made when pressed. ![]() It was not always that way though, there was time when TV was landlocked through the box in your house. We live in an unparalleled stage of convenience and accessibility. When pressed, the buttons made clicking sounds, so people started calling these remotes "clickers" and it stuck.As a frequent traveler, it is somewhat comforting to know that no matter where I am in the world, I have instant access to all my favorite TV shows. A circuit in the TV would detect this frequency and perform the designated action. When a user pushed a button it would strike an aluminum bar, which emitted a certain frequency. Within just a few short years, remotes were being used to power VCRs, stereos, and even those new-fangled CD-player thingys. Yes, yes–– the TV remote has been around in some shape or form since 1950's 'Lazy Bones' from Zenith, but in the 80s, well… In the 80s, we got the first REAL remote. The Flash-matic operated by means of four photocells, one in each corner of the TV screen. It was Zenith engineer Eugene Polley (1915–2012) who created the "Flash-matic," the first wireless TV remote in 1955. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, who is interested! This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time.
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