Simpli Smart Home

Simpli Smart Home

Simpli Smart Home

Simpli Smart Home

The Problem

Smart home platforms like Apple Home and Google Home often leave out a critical group: elderly users, those with disabilities, and anyone overwhelmed by complex setups or unfamiliar jargon. With confusing onboarding, overloaded interfaces, and a lack of emotional resonance, these tools unintentionally alienate those who could benefit the most.

The Solution

Simpli Smart Home is a customizable dashboard designed as a layer on top of existing smart home platforms. Built with inclusive design principles, the app simplifies onboarding, enhances accessibility, and brings emotional warmth to smart home control. It offers both beginner-friendly experiences and advanced customization for tech-savvy users.

Wireframes

Prototype 1: Onboarding Experience

  • Tailored welcome screens

  • Text size & contrast controls

  • Smart home integration setup

Prototype 2: Guided Tutorial

  • Skippable walkthrough

  • Conversational tone & visuals

  • Clear expectations for new users

Prototype 3: Dashboard Interactions

  • View energy, security, and temperature

  • Custom filtering by room or time

  • Visually intuitive data display

Prototype 3: Dashboard Interactions

  • View energy, security, and temperature

  • Custom filtering by room or time

  • Visually intuitive data display

User Insight Testing

Participants:
A wide range of users—from a 74 year old with no smart home experience to a 28 year old Home Assistant power user.

Feedback Highlights:

  • Font sizes increased for better visibility

  • Navigation icons now clearly labeled

  • Scene builder simplified and renamed for clarity

  • Advanced options added without overwhelming beginners

The Final Design

The refined prototype offers an end-to-end experience with user testing baked in, from personalized onboarding to accessible dashboards and mood-based automations. The visual system uses calming colors, friendly typography, and touch-friendly components to welcome every kind of user home.

Contents

IDS 446 | Interface Design

Northwestern University

Software

Date

May 2025

IDS 446 | Interface Design

Northwestern University

Software

Date

May 2025

IDS 446 | Interface Design

Northwestern University

Software

Date

May 2025

Let's connect

I am passionate about creative design, while always focused on connecting with people.

As a professional designer, I am on an exciting journey, seeking opportunities to blend creativity with technology to craft memorable user experiences.

Phone Number

631-241-1170

631-241-1170

631-241-1170

Email

spencer@slcreativ.com

spencer@slcreativ.com

spencer@slcreativ.com

Location

New York