How Multicolored Buttons Became a "Star Trek" Icon
A look at how "Star Trek" turned budget limitations into a visual strength, with clever prop reuse like the multicolored jelly bean buttons that became a fan-favorite inside joke.
The Colorful Economy of Star Trek Props
When "Star Trek" first aired in 1966, its production team faced the challenge of creating a believable future on a television budget that could barely keep pace with its imaginative scripts. The original series, which followed the voyages of the starship Enterprise, relied heavily on ingenuity rather than extravagant spending. The show's producers, designers, and technicians approached each episode with a spirit of resourcefulness, stretching every dollar to its limit while delivering a visually compelling universe.
A hallmark of this creative economy was the bridge of the Enterprise. The futuristic command center featured glowing panels and mysterious switches that gave the illusion of advanced technology. Among these set pieces, one feature captured the essence of "Star Trek's" thrifty brilliance. The so-called multicolored jelly bean buttons appeared on nearly every console, providing vibrant color and a sense of technological complexity. Over time, these bright candy-like controls became an inside joke among the production crew and dedicated fans, who delighted in spotting them repurposed across episodes.
How the Multicolored Buttons Came to Be
The multicolored jelly bean buttons that became so familiar to viewers of "Star Trek" originated from the inventive mind of set designer Walter M. Jefferies, known to the crew as Matt Jefferies. Tasked with creating the look of the Enterprise bridge, Jefferies faced a difficult task. He had to design controls and consoles that suggested advanced technology, yet his budget left no room for custom-built electronics or costly components.
Jefferies and his team scoured hardware stores, surplus outlets, and prop warehouses for inexpensive items that could be adapted into futuristic controls. The colorful plastic buttons that eventually covered the bridge consoles came from these humble sources. Some were originally used as lens covers or indicator lights in industrial machinery. Others were simple plastic pieces that could be purchased in bulk for pennies. When set into the consoles and illuminated from behind, these bits of plastic gave the illusion of sophisticated starship controls.
This approach reflected the production's philosophy. The goal was to create a convincing vision of the future without wasting resources. Through lighting, thoughtful design, and clever assembly, Jefferies and his colleagues gave the Enterprise a look that felt authentic despite the modest means at their disposal.
How the Buttons and Other Props Were Reused
Once installed on the bridge of the Enterprise, the multicolored jelly bean buttons became a versatile tool in the hands of the "Star Trek" production team. The buttons did not remain confined to the bridge. They found their way onto engineering panels, medical equipment, and even alien technology. A small change in arrangement, lighting, or surrounding details could transform the familiar controls into something entirely new. This adaptability allowed the buttons to appear in episode after episode without requiring new designs or costly builds.
The buttons were far from the only props given this treatment. Dr. McCoy's medical scanner, a simple cylindrical device with a blinking light, served not only as a diagnostic tool but also appeared as alien devices or scientific instruments in various episodes. The communicators and phasers were occasionally repainted or fitted with attachments to represent other pieces of equipment. The production team employed subtle tricks to disguise these reuses. Shifting camera angles, selective focus, and different background elements helped make the familiar seem fresh.
Every reused piece contributed to a sense of coherence. The production's careful approach supported the illusion of a universe where technology felt uniform and believable from one episode to the next.
The Inside Joke
As "Star Trek" episodes aired and reran, attentive fans began to notice the recurring appearance of the multicolored jelly bean buttons and other familiar props. What began as a budgetary necessity soon became a source of amusement for viewers who took pleasure in spotting these small visual signatures scattered across different settings. The repetition evolved into a quiet game of recognition for fans, deepening their connection to the show's world.
The production crew and cast were well aware of these reused elements. In interviews over the years, actors and designers have recalled with humor how props were shuffled from one set to another to meet the needs of the day's filming. These inside jokes sometimes extended to playful dialogue or knowing glances exchanged on set, though always with the goal of keeping the illusion intact for the audience. Rather than detracting from the show, these recurring props became part of its distinctive charm. They reminded viewers that imagination and craftsmanship mattered more than extravagant spending.
The Art of Doing More with Less
The enduring appeal of "Star Trek" owes much to the creativity born of constraint. While the series is celebrated for its vision of exploration, diplomacy, and human potential, its lasting power also stems from the resourceful spirit that shaped its production. The clever reuse of props, such as the multicolored jelly bean buttons, did more than stretch a budget. It established a visual language that helped make the starship Enterprise and its universe feel real and consistent.
These modest pieces of plastic, lighting gels, and salvaged machinery parts remind us that good storytelling does not depend on lavish special effects or expensive sets. What matters is the strength of the ideas and the skill of those who bring them to life. The ingenuity of the "Star Trek" design team showed that a believable future could be built from the simplest materials, so long as the vision was clear.
This blend of imagination and practicality helped give "Star Trek" its timeless quality. The familiar buttons and repurposed props contributed to a continuity that bound the episodes together and invited viewers to believe in the world they saw on screen. That same spirit of doing more with less continues to inspire science fiction creators today.