Whether you want to turn your lights on with a voice command, automate the timing of household appliances, or lock the door remotely, smart devices can elevate everyday routines for complete convenience. But, navigating a new ecosystem of gadgets isn’t always easy, and often requires a steep learning curve. It can also be expensive, especially if you’re looking to replace multiple analog systems with smart ones.
Consumer reports indicate that a typical smart home setup can cost several thousand dollars, prompting many to take a piecemeal approach and meticulously budget each device before purchasing. Beyond initial set-up, these systems can become costly to maintain over time as a result of ongoing energy consumption and software updates.
While there are numerous definitions of what makes a device “Smart,” authors across the literature tend to allocate a core set of features: Autonomy, connectivity and context-awareness. This paper uses these characteristics to define a comprehensive concept of Smart device and outlines other key considerations to help researchers around the world design more effective Smart products.
Be aware that smart devices may collect and store data about you, your home or office. It’s a good idea to read Privacy Statements and Service Agreements, and consider asking the manufacturer about the details of what a device will do with your data. In addition, it’s a good idea to understand how to get rid of a device or request a refund, if necessary. Finally, a well-designed smart-device app will make it effortless to observe and change a device’s status without the need to navigate into individual screens, while promptly displaying feedback and status information.