We see the greatest UX optimization potential in smart home applications - based on the current state of the art - in the simple configuration of switches and automation rules.
The tablet is the most suitable user interface - of all the devices in a household: it offers sufficient space, is most directly operable with touch and is the easiest to access (in contrast to PC and TV). The same applies to a stationary or mobile home display.
Reduced, consistent and clearly understandable use of symbols
- Circles = actuators (for lights, blinds, heating, garage door, etc.)
- Hexagons = sensors (like light switches, brightness sensors, motion detectors, etc.)
- Cards = control (always consisting of at least one actuator and one sensor)
Pick up the intention of the user directly
- If he wants to configure a switch (sensor), he can press it on the wall and the app offers him the devices he can control with it.
- If he wants to switch a lamp (actuator), he can select it and is then offered the available switches.
- If he wants to create a rule, he has the possibility to add one under "Rules".
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5ee8847cb9864bb6a932ab34/5f3e4a9970211d2979d841f3_001_Select_actor_device.png)
A maximum of one parameter can be set per view
As soon as the user has chosen an entry point, he is guided through a wizard-like process that requires him to make a maximum of one decision per screen. A back button goes without saying.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5ee8847cb9864bb6a932ab34/5f3e4aa91a1907cd204e8fa6_t1-010_light_switch_recognized-3.png)
Exclusively AND links within a rule
This limitation is important to keep the creation of an automation rule, which may combine several different sensors or other conditions, really manageable for everyone.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5ee8847cb9864bb6a932ab34/5f3e4abd9a177871369e8828_t1-040_Rule_Detail_View-3.png)
Use of natural language
The language in the UI always starts from the user's intentions and picks them up. The user asks himself: "How can I automate the opening of the blinds?" The UI gives him the possibility to "open/close the blind" instead of just naming the device. The threshold values of a brightness sensor are not called "1,000 Lux", but "when the sun is shining" or "when it is getting dark". Each rule is described in a clear German sentence in addition to the visualization.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5ee8847cb9864bb6a932ab34/5f3e4ad8f600a8023eee9770_001_All-Rules-3.png)
Read in the blog post "The way to a smart home" how we came to these conclusions.
Bettina & Josef