Doublecross

The design of the SI RC Remote Controller was born from a single vision- how can we create one remote design that can apply to every style of RC in the Sharper Image portfolio? Beyond the potentially production cost savings and retail price reduction, our aim was to establish a strong brand identity, enhance user familiarity, and elevate the brand above competitors. The design started with defining an iconic silhouette that would act as the blueprint to the entire SI remote controller range.​ On the front of each controller has an illustration and name of the vehicle it controls, so you will always know which remote goes with which RC. The halo antenna illuminates to indicate the status of the controller. Sometimes the best ideas are the ones that have already been thought of. As a nod to traditional hobbyist RC controllers, the antenna forms a hole for utility to doubles as a integrated attachment feature for connecting a lanyard or wrist strap. The batteries are simply accessed by removing the two screws on the side and sliding down the bottom half of the remote.

This design strategy resulted in a new range of controllers for an entire RC range. The brand, one of the largest in the US in the category of RCs (cars, drones, and robots), had a problem. It would design a new RC controller for every new product, creating inefficiencies and problems with quality. All the attention was placed on the vehicle and not on the controller. As a result, the controllers were a poorly executed afterthought. The new controllers offer ergonomics, new functionality, an iconic design, and better value through economies of scale, engaging usability, and a new level of quality.