Novel remote control concepts

In future the remote control could loose its conventional look - a rectangular block with buttons or touch screens. New approaches subject intuitive controls and novel design language.

History of the remote control

The invention of the remote control goes back to the 1950s. In 1956 the first wireless ultrasonic remote control was on the market. Today's remote controls are primarily based on the infrared and radio-transmission technology. But the basic shape of the remote control remained since its invention virtually unchanged.

the Space Command by Zenith from 1956

There are, however, in addition to the development of the "classical" approach, new concepts for the design of remote controls. Some are now presented here.

An apple as a remote control
According to the study by Jason Roebuck, the remote control could get the shape of apple. The control is done primarily done through motion gestures. A rotating movement should tune the volume of a TV, for example.

the apple remote control by Jason Roebuck

In addition, the study design intends that any person in a household has its own remote control, each adapted to individual needs. The matching "fruit bowl" for the apples will also act as a charging station.

the apples in their charging station

A cube as a remote control
A very similar approach was presented early 2007 by Telekom Austria in cooperation with Austria Research Centers. As control element a cube without any keys is used. By turning, tilting or shaking all common control signals are transmitted to a TV. When the cube is placed in the holder, the TV is on standby.

the Cube by Telekom Austria

A porcelain bowl as a remote control
The study of Yuta Watanabe doesn’t forego on buttons, but the form and material is novel. With the use of ceramics a high quality and fragile material was chosen deliberately to ad a higher value to the remote control. Beyond that the rounded shape makes the remote control to a subject of decoration.

porcelain bowl remote control by Yuta Watanabe

A bracelet as a remote control
Chloe Fung designed a remote control specifically for women. .She built the control of the so-called Orbit Remote in a bracelet.

the Orbit Remote by Chloe Fung

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New challenges for the office of the future

A series of sometimes curious design studies subjects acoustics, privacy and concentration suggest, that the need for effective solutions is growing necessary. The tendency to open office spaces enhances this need.

Telephone calls on the mobile phone, whether privately or work related or the communication with colleagues compulsorily intensifies the noise level in open office layouts. Respect for privacy and the possibility for concentrated work require new concepts. First trials brought quite curious solutions.

For example, the study Pentaphone of the Austrian designer Robert Stadler should facilitate calls with the mobile phone in the office. The mobile phone makes his call without being disturbed by ambient noise as well as others are not disturbed by his communication.

Pentaphone study by Robert Stadler

Another curiosity is the so-called Office Collar. With this gadget the field of visual distractions will be reduced. The Office Collar should help the user to focus on direct tasks in front of him.

The Office Collar by Simone Brewster

Even large office furniture manufacturer dealt with the issues acoustics and privacy in the workplace. From Steelcase there are some design studies for the year 2005.

Cell Cell by Steelcase

With the concept of "Cell Cell", a cylinder hanging from the ceiling was shown. Crawling beneath it you can make an undisturbed phone call. Even a short confidential stand up meeting is possible.

Digital Yurt by Steelcase

The Digital Yurt is a space for undisturbed brainstorming in the mid zone of the office. The center features a circular pad of paper table which allows everyone to write notes for capturing thoughts and ideas.

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Innovations in keyboard design

The evolution of traditional input devices continues. The Russian design studio Art Lebedev is going to launch the first keyboard with variable OLED displays by the end of the year. Another approach focuses on the flexible arrangement of the keys.

Optimus Maximus, the russian interface
Every single button of Optimus Maximus is replaceable, has its own OLED display and can be used with different functions, such as letters, symbols or icons for special function buttons. The OLED with a resolution of 48 by 48 pixels displays the actual key function.

Optimus Maximus by Art Lebedev (youtube Video)

A great advantage is, that the key adapts to the respective program, which runs on the computer, and so work should be done faster and easier. Each user can adjust the keys to their individual needs and working patterns. But there are also some critical aspects of this product. First, compared with normal keyboards, despite the use of OLED technology, there is higher energy consumption (it requires a separate power supply). Form an ergonomic view the keyboard could act as a disturbing light source in the visual area of the user.

Ergodex DX1, even the position gets individually
A slightly different keyboard system offers the Ergodex DX1 keyboard. The keys don’t have displays, but the function of up to 50 keys could be defined individually. For each key you could choose the position on a special plate.

In the delivery contents are predefined or writable stickers for each key. With the free distribution of the keys a maximum ergonomic arrangement should be possible. Initial tests of this keyboard came to a conclusion, that the Ergodex DX1 is more a complement to existing keyboard, not a replacement.

Ergodex DX1 keyboard

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Eclipse a future workspace

The new things at the workstation called Eclipse designed by Marcus Ward Curran are the wings. The workstation has four of them on both sides, left and right. They can be moved individually and offer the possibility to separate a part or the whole workspace. The user is able to create and protects his personal space.

The complete station is on wheels. In the overhead bar there are speakers, a camera and lightings. The inner side of the wings should work as screens for video conferencing or should create a relaxing atmosphere.

video at youtube.

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Steelcase fosters motion in the office

Steelcase, the world's largest office furniture manufacturer, has introduced a new type of furniture, which should bring more motion into the office. The heart of the so-called Walk Station is a treadmill directly under a stand-up work desk.

In collaboration with James Levine of the Majo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, this workstation was developed. Studies by Dr. Levine evidence, that physical activity during the office work has positive effects on the welfare of the working person.

Walk Station from Steelcase

The maximum speed of the Walk station is limited to 5 km/h. The movement on the Walk Station should never be more than comfortable going. The desktop of the Walking Station is electrically adjustable for a fast and easy adjustment of the working height for each user.

Video and report about the Walk Station at gizmodo.com

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