Access Control and Accessory Design
Retail accessories for universal garage door access
Chamberlain Mini-Clicker Industrial Design and Packaging
Chamberlain’s Universal Mini-Remote brings unparalleled convenience and control to users on the go. The design phase incorporated several rounds of end-user feedback, ergonomic models, material and weight tests to ensure the best look, feel and function.
Mini Remote was the first product from Chamberlain to use scratch-proof IML design and soft-touch overmold texturing.
Early Concept Generation and Refinement
Early concept generation revolved around portability, and also designing against accidental activation. Concepts were explored and tested with users with sliding covers to block unintended button presses.
Consumers felt the additional piece was clunky, and preferred a recessed button to avoid false triggers.
Ergonomics and keyring engineering were also explored during the refinement phase.
Packaging Concepts
Packaging concepts explored for various retail touchpoints. Current graphics and brand positioning was incorporated for on-pack messaging.
The goal was to provide a premiere “unboxing” experience.
Integrated Rearview Mirror Transmitter
The first universal garage transmitter remote to seamlessly integrate into the vehicle rear-view mirror. ARQ is removable and easily programmable with the companion mobile app.
The design is sleek and minimal, adding security and portability to reliable performance.
Transmitter Design and Mirror Integration
Design work was closely with Magna Automotive for specific mirror designs and configurations.
Initial concepts explored chrome-plating and polished metal, but due to RF interference and assembly issues, aesthetics were refined to include matte-finished and highly-polished plastic details.
The final housing is battery-operated and contains a single LED for over 2-year life. Tactile elements were added to the buttons for blind operation of up to three devices.
Retail Packaging Concept Design
Packaging concepts explored for aftermarket sales and dealer upgrades.
Smart Accessories
Design and concept exploration of adding “Smart” devices into garage control.
Keypads and transmitters were given expanded functionality, security backends and the ability to transfer access rights or grant virtual “keys” to visitors.
Smart Keypad
With the Smart outdoor keypad, you can get image notifications through your MyQ app whenever someone presses a button on the responsive touch-sensitive keypad.
The built-in camera offers additional piece of mind and control.
Bluetooth credentialing allows paired users one-touch access through the hero button.
Smart Transmitter
Layout design and various feedback methods were explored and tested with users for intuitiveness. The goal was to be able to monitor and control garage state from the transmitter itself.
Battery life, PCB allocations and overall size were taken into account for final stage execution.
Design Goals
• Incorporating user feedback from research sessions
• Improve usability, end-user feedback understanding
• Introduce premium materials and design to better align with the connected products market
• Begin consumer behavior migration to integrated solutions