EMC C102 - 201I - Group Activity 1: Creation of a Universal Remote Control

EMC C102 - Human Computer Interaction - Grp.Activity 1 - Concept for Universal Remote Control

 

Modern day appliances have started being designed with "smart" technology in mind. They are now often able to connect with each other through the Internet of Things, and therefore we have a chance to take advantage of the internet in order to maintain and develop our theoretical universal remote control, and create a software platform that is portable and easily maintained.

 

Older designs for Universal Remote Controls often package the remote in a separate, purchasable, hardware that has all the limitations of a traditional control system: the interface cannot be changed, and the software that it comes with cannot be easily updated as compared to the speed in which the devices it seeks to control remotely gets updated on a daily basis.

It is these disadvantages that cause us to forgo a hardware deployment of a Universal Remote Control. With the pace of the development of technology, future proofing a hardware deployment would require a lot of controls to account for different functions, and even then there might be future functions that cannot be covered.

 

CHUNGHOP AC Remote, limited in scalability of supported functions

Caavo Control Center Universal Remote, design only supports appliances on time of development

With these in mind, we take a look at the modern day person, and which devices in his arsenal can be made to control these smart devices. We come upon his phone and deem it suitable to keep up with the demands of the requirements. A smartphone can install apps that are frequently updated, and with varying user interfaces that can adapt based on the purpose that it seeks to serve. With a smartphone deployment, we can also take advantage of preexisting user knowledge about phone functions in such a way that learning the remote control app can be almost instantaneous.

 

Android TV Virtual Remote, software deployment means there is good scalability of functions supported, and intuitive UI for fast learning of controls

We are given three criteria for the design: EFFECTIVENESS, EFFICIENCY, and AESTHETICS.

 With regards to Effectiveness, since the smart appliances and the smart phone coexist on the Internet of Things, the remote is effectively able to control the devices it is intended for over short or long distances. A software deployment is also able to be updated as necessary as technology develops. This two factors in themselves assure the effectivity of the remote control as long as the internet is available, not to mention the other benefits that comes with it.

With regards to Efficiency, a software deployment means that, on the producer's end, there are no manufacturing overheads entailed with the production and delivery of the product. On the user end, acquiring the universal remote only necessitates a download of the application, with periodic automatic updates, and there is no more need to purchase third party batteries to power the device, since it is installed in the phone.

With regards to Aesthetics, a software application on a mobile phone is able to change as the user wants it to, as long as we design the systems that support this. Font styles, backgrounds, and button and interface colors can be changed upon user preference, so the aesthetics of the software can be easily built to fit anyone's changing preferences.

The following images are rough sketches of the visualized software user interface: 

Main, Starting User Interface

 

AC Temperature Control

 

AC Pressure Control

 AC Humidity Level

 

AC Swing Controls

 

Main UI Listening Mode

 

Main UI Options Menu

 

Main UI Power Mode

 

Main UI Device Timer

DISCLAIMER: This blog is primarily used for academic purposes. All pictures belong to their respective owners and there is no copyright infringement intended.

 

DISCLAIMER: Device UI mockups are created by Christian Billiones and Vince Caridad, all rights reserved

Subject Code: EMC C102 - 201I - Human Computer Interaction

Grading Period: Prelims
Topic: Group Activity 1 - Universal Remote Control

Authors:

Billiones, Christian Robbie
20-256591

Caridad, Vince Cedrick
08-534152

Idul, Manuel Mark
20-257214

Lagata, Dominic
20-257369