Remote apps are a unique tool that is quickly taking over, or altogether replacing traditional remotes. This is great as it is one last physical item that doesn't have to be cared for or located.

The AT&T Uverse Easy Remote follows many of the traditional button experiences. While this might be appealing to the brand, I find it is a compromise to the user, specifically the keypad function. 

With both traditional and digital remotes, there are shared experiences of muscle memory and familiarity within the hand. After some time, many need not look at their remote for many of the functions they wish to perform. With apps, however, there is one critical difference, we do not have tactile shapes and forms to rely on, as with a traditional remote. Instead, we have to rely on 2d playing field. With that field comes size, distance and location.  

Below on the left is example of the Easy Remote. Next to that is a highlight of the negative space that I believe could be utilized to help user performance, interface appearance, and design aesthetics.

The end result is a user platform that promotes usability first, while maintaining brand appearance and structure.