Gel Remote Control

Panasonic Design Company: Gel Remote Control, 2004
The leading home appliance group Panasonic set about the haptic challenge by redesigning one of the most ubiquitous pieces of modern technology - the remote control, a devise which is “ignored” when not in use. “To imbue the device with a haptic character we had to change its image,” says Panasonic. “The material used for most remote controls is resin, but this gives the impression of lifelessness. At first glance our gel remote control has an unusual shape and you are surprised by its feel.” What the company did was to create a product that is “waiting to be touched”. Looking for all the world like a limp, Dali-esque watch in its resting position, once picked up the gel Remote Control regains the form of its everyday counterpart. When the batteries run low the product once again droops. This progression of motions makes the product feel “alive” and intrigues the user.

(from HAPTIC:Japanese Exhibition that awakens the senses)