Evolution towards smart home environments empirical evaluation of three user interfaces

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The emergence of ubiquitous connectivity and mobile digital devices have changed our domestic spaces over the last few decades most certainly. One example is the evolution of the smart home and how intertwined technologies create a new overall practices and experiences in the domestic space. The article “Evolution towards smart home environments: empirical evaluation of three user interfaces” by Tiiu Koskela, Kaisa and Vannannen-Vainio-Mattila looks at the smart home technology preferences of homeowners and how this related to the user interface and user-friendliness. In their study, the researchers staggered the input of 3 UIs into homes and monitored their use as well as conducted in-depth interviews with the residents. A personal computer, media terminal and mobile phone were the 3 technologies that were implemented in stages. The purposes of the stages was to make sure each technology was used and by the end the users would use the technology they preferred the most. Looking at the type of research study they conducted, the nature of home activities, and findings, is it easy to see how the conclusions they draw are not only logical and objective, but they are also important for the future development of smart-home technology and devices.

The pair state that they conducted an ethnographic study. Ethnographic studies take a look at cultural phenomena through the lens of a study group that represents the rest of that culture. The researchers explain that they specifically wanted to collect a wide range of views so they spoke with a wide range of people, including, “young adults, families with children, middle-aged couples, and the elderly” (page 235). Something that was also important to this ethnographic study was that none of the subjects had any prior experience with smart home technologies. This would make sure that each technology was investigated and used in certain ways as well. Participants also had to learn as they went. As this is beneficial, it may also be troubling. As smart home technologies are being increasingly integrated and added to homes, it could be argued that the average person will already have their own home solutions or have interacted with others. The bias from this may already influence culture. This would partially be addressed through the technology being implemented in stages which gives users the opportunity to learn about other technology and weigh its pros and cons, respectively. An ethnographic study gives the researches a relatively unbiased view into their study group and into society more generally and allows both quantitive and qualitative data to be assess based on use and opinion.

To understand the preference of one user interface home technology over another, the researchers also looked at the domestic behaviour of the residents. They noted how many groups had certain regularities and patterns of work and play. They explain the significance of action centres. Action centres were central to the home and often took place around a technology. The pair explain how chores like folding laundry, watching the kids play and staying up on the news all took place in front of the television. Therefore, the smart home technology base would wisely be implemented in one of these centres to provide ease of access. They noted how the phone is mobile and also a personal device makes it transcend these spaces even outside of the home leading to more opportunities both within and outside of the domestic space. 
 In their findings, the majority of participants, at the end of the six month study period, preferred the mobile phone as their smart home technology device choice. This came from ideas about action centres as well as centralization and instant control. To some, the mobile device was a luxury because they could operate their home appliances outside the actual home. For example, on a early morning run, the coffee maker could be turned on remotely prior to the resident’s arrival. This is a new kind of accessibility which can also be seen inside the home. Another example would be turning off all of the house lights from bed. Not leaving the bed or going to a device and action centre is also considered a luxury.

Today, advances in technology have unlocked a plethora of potential possibilities for the home. It seems that the functionality of the smart phone, where everything is stored, controlled, and initiated from one dynamic processor or system, is key to the smart home technology as demonstrated by Koskela and Vaanen-Vainio-Mattila’s study. On the commercial level, the media empire Rogers in the last few years marketing a home and communications technology for ideally working parents. Because both parents are working longer and later hours they developed a system of video surveillance, microphone accessibility and alerts that were connected the smart home to the smart phone. When children arrived home from school in the commercial, the parent would receive and alert to their cellular device and would then be able to access live video footage of the front entrance. Additionally, they would be able to hear the children say “Hi, Mom” and vice versa. This example shows how the home technology had adapted to cultural changes, such as socio-economics, but it furthermore shows the integration of information and communication devices into the home as a permanent part of functionality and everyday life.

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