We start with the basic components needed, and build from there.  At the very least, this device needs a Bluetooth chip, and a couple buttons.  To make development easier, I started looking at BLE modules that are a combination of microcontroller, BLE adapter, and antenna.  As a bonus, some of these modules have some FCC certifications already, allowing easier time to market.  Ultimately I chose to work with a Silicon Labs BGM111 BLE module.  It is an ARM Cortex M4 microprocessor with a BLE adapter and Antenna built into a small PCB module.  These modules don’t need expensive compilers to program, and have enough GIO to attach multiple buttons.  They are low power and have other features such as I2C which could be useful if the device gets a little more complex.  

The 2nd half of the system is an Android app that processes the BLE communications from the device.  The app doesn’t have to be too complex.  It will connect to the device, and process when a button is pressed.  It doesn’t have to communicate at high speeds, just fast enough to process user input.  The idea is that the device will act as a keyboard to take advantage of the android keyboard navigation procedures.  This allows you to navigate using arrow keys, and perform actions like selecting an application to run, and navigating through the app assuming the developer built in that functionality.  
To begin work on these two parts, I purchased the BLE Wireless Starter Kit from Silicon Labs.  This will be enough to get started on the firmware and Android App development.  As a bonus, the kit comes with a controller board with a few buttons, so this is all I need for my initial prototype!