Potmote: A TV Remote Control for Older Adults

Abstract

Traditional television remote control presents frequent challenges to older adults. These challenges arise due to lack of feedback and poor design features such as labeling, size, spatial proximity, physical feel, etc. This paper describes the design of an accessible TV remote control (Potmote) created by employing potentiometers with Arduino to enhance tactile feedback and ease of channel selection with ergonomic controls. An experimental study was conducted with 15 older adults to understand how to design a system that would allow them to change channel numbers and volume levels. The result of experiment have shown positive feedback by the subjects.