The ordinary VCR is famously hard-to-use. But will the next generation of digital recorders be any easier? We wanted to find out, and see if our principles of applianceness could be used to design a better DVD recorder (DVDR).

We looked carefully at a typical DVDR on the market today, and the results were shocking. Not only was programming it as hard as ever, but the digital technology brought many new complications.

So we stripped the concept back to basics, and rebuilt it with only what an ordinary user needs. The people we had in mind are the millions who have a VCR under their television. People who might just be persuaded to upgrade to digital recording, if only it was easier to use. Then we added two unique features:

Introducing the TIMEWHEEL

Ever go through the TV listings in a newspaper with a highlighter pen marking what you want to watch? Telling your DVD what to record could be just as easy. By adding one simple control, we've made setting up your DVD to record as easy as highlighting a programme, even without an electronic programme guide.

and the DISC LIBRARY

Can't remember which disc you recorded Friends on? Trying to find which disc has enough space to record Star Trek? Our new design lets you keep track of all your recordings whether they're on the disc in the machine or on one of the hundreds on your bookshelf.

By focusing not on the technology (which is very clever), but on the users (who shouldn't need to be), we've designed a better DVDR. If you'd like to bring this level of simplicity to your consumer products please get in touch. A full 30 page report on our findings and the SurePlay concept is also available free of charge.