Can you please cover both the "smart" and the "home"- Exploring expectations on smart homes considering changing needs

Abstract

The number of connected devices in-home has increased rapidly, and connected solutions in smart homes do not yet cover needs of all inhabitants. We explored future interfaces that blend seamlessly with the home interior in co-creation sessions with people from diverse co-living situations. The results contribute to acknowledging a home's complexity considering shared households as places where many needs meet and possibly contradict each other. Based on findings from three workshop sessions with a total of 12 participants, we present two themes of relevance when designing for smart homes. Covering both, a smart home can adapt to users' needs and become valuable members of multi-people households while maintaining the characteristics of a home for all individuals.