Franziska Lorenz

Smart TV remote-control

Concept approach to exploit using smart TV's in terms of increasing mobile device usage

^{Project Type}

Concept

The project

The principle of today's smart TV's is that they provide users with a variety of additional services and content besides traditional television. In addition to the broadcast signal, they also access the Internet and include many different media and apps. However, with this new feature set, the user quickly loses track because the possibilities and apps are often unclear or not structured at all.
In my project "anyview" I have developed a concept how this new functionality can be accessed easily and efficiently.
The result is a smartphone and tablet app, which allows its users to access their TV from any location.

+ Show Design Process

Average reading time: 4 minutes (670 words)

My project

Smart TV - Definition
A generic term for the new TV generation: television and other devices with which viewers can access a variety of additional services and content, especially via the Internet.
Some are displayed as apps in a gallery, while others are activated directly from the TV stations' current programme using the red button on the remote control.
Smart TV - Today's provider
There are a number of smart TV providers. The best known are Samsung, LG, Panasonic, Philips and Sony.
As the following graphic shows as an example, the clarity of the icons on the home screen is at best "good", but usually only "satisfactory".

Examples

Analysis

_{Examining content, actions, etc.}

range of functions goes before appearance / usability
features are not available at the point where they would be needed
navigation differs a lot between arrow keys, scrollbuttons and remote control pointers
not possible actions are offered
programs / features / info sometimes open in a new window, sometimes in a pop-up window and sometimes in a menu on one of the edges
the background is constantly changing between television, gray, black, white, colorful pictures
there are the same icons for different functions
some options are only available on the remote control (3D mode)

Metascenario

For a better overview of all existing contents and possibilities, a meta-scenario was defined. This will later help developing the models and design.

Thinking out of the box

_{What else is there?}

Before I started to create first structural models, I took a look outside where manufacturers may have solved similar problems better.

Video-on-Demand platforms

Gaming platforms

Conclusion
Looking for other interfaces that can handle a similar amount of content to smart TVs, I have repeatedly encountered the same problems in the cases studied, particularly the confusion and deep penetration of regulatory hierarchies.

Models

With some first models I concentrated primarily on accommodating the many different contents. I tried to store them so that they wouldn't be overloaded, but the user would still find everything and have options in the right places.

The remote control

Because smartphones and tablets are often used in parallel, these two devices can also be used as remote controls.
If you think about it further, it's convenient not only to use the devices as a remote control, but also to convert them into a "television" with an app. This also allows you to have your TV with you at all times, with stored presets and settings, as well as purchased movies, and operate it from anywhere.

First draft

Final concept

Home
The categories are arranged vertically, you can move horizontally in them. Each category can be folded in and out and has a different color.

Home

Add a category
By tapping on the "plus" symbol, a new category can be added, which can be named after the wound. The color can be selected on the right.

Fill and move a category
The new category can be filled at will and arranged differently in relation to the other categories.

Preview of a series / movie
By holding a preview clip, the sound comes out of the speakers and an information text appears.

Arrange a category
Each category can be rearranged according to specific criteria.

Detail view of the different TV channels
In order not only to see what is going on, you can also use the "plus" to display all stations individually with the current and future programs.

Timeline
The timeline shows the currently switched on station with pauses. These can be filled with other content. In addition, you can switch at any time.

Menu
On the left is a menu. By dragging and dropping, you can record selected programs, remember, share, search for something or look at your own profile.

User profile
The profile includes all favorite content such as Series. It shows which episodes are there and which ones you missed, so you can look at them later.

Timeline
In addition, you can over the timeline even when the TV is not switched on, for. plan a movie night by filing movies at the desired time.

Timeline and additional information
After selecting a content, the app sorts all other content related to it and to their own habits, interests. It also gives additional information eg. following films.

Outcome

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