The team reviewed its research and set initial requirements for a new television remote control. The industrial designer explained its basic operation and proposed keeping it small and inexpensive, with few buttons and features such as a low-battery alert and a locator beep. The team discussed interchangeable covers but decided against them because they were unsure the idea would generate enough profit.

The user interface designer raised the choice between a basic remote and a multifunctional one. Marketing presented a usability study of 100 people, which found that users disliked the look of existing remotes, found them hard to learn, and used relatively few buttons. Channel selection, volume and power were the most important controls. Marketing recommended an attractive, easy-to-use design that made changing channels simple.

The project manager then introduced requirements: the remote should work with televisions, target people under 40, use the company’s colour and slogan, and omit teletext. The team discussed using an LCD screen for menus so the remote could work across televisions, while noting the cost. They settled on power, number keys, channel and volume controls, a menu button and mute as the initial controls.

The remote’s appearance was left for the next conceptual design phase. After lunch, team members would have time for individual work, with minutes and action items available in the project documents and email.