From Paper to Play Washington DC

How To Design Multi-Room Control Interfaces To Meet Client Needs
Before joining the manufacturing side of the business, I ran a high-end installation company that specialized in creating systems for some of the most luxurious homes imaginable. One client in particular presented me with an opportunity to design the ultimate (for the time) interactive entertainment system incorporating the best ingredients— from large-screen TVs to Laserdisc players—all of which could be operated with the greatest level of control, right down to the most minute functions.

I was immensely happy with the outline. Unfortunately, I was alone in my opinion. The customer, who indeed wanted and could afford a rich and complex system, absolutely hated my plan. Instead of having to master myriad buttons to control as many system functions, all he wanted was a straightforward, easy-to-comprehend system with singlebutton control for all major functions. His entreaty to me was simple and subsequently became my mantra: “It’s impressive, but it isn’t what I want.” His point was simple yet indicative of a common mistake among service professionals—telling customers what can be accomplished before

Paper prototyping—the practice of creating sketches—will help sell the value of your design by illustrating all its functions and associated benefits.

asking what they want to accomplish.

A control interface is one of the many elements that sets a true multi-room audio system apart from a typical listening experience. Of all the ingredients, the interface is the one that is almost entirely customizable, presenting an array of options in a format that complements the user’s level of comfort with the technology, instead of challenging them to learn something new.

The best control interfaces are as challenging as a light switch, but simplicity alone is not enough to show your customers that you have their best interests at heart. Though there are many ways to approach the design process, here is a simple outline that I’ve found to be an effective way to satisfy customers while minimizing post-installation questions and return trips.

THIS OLD HOUSE
Before designing control for a new home, take a look around the old home. If possible, I always liked to meet customers on familiar turf, meaning the home they were about to vacate. See what they like, what they don’t like, and most important, what terminology will make sense once the system is up and running. Installers may be perfectly comfortable with technical jargon, but end-users will most likely prefer labels and phrasing they use in everyday life.

SEEK MOTIVATION
It is critical to understand a customer’s motivation in every room with a keypad. Will music be a main attraction or simply background? If the latter, one button access will make the most sense, but if the room is a primary listening area, then it makes sense to design a more robust interface with a variety of options for selecting the perfect s...

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