The Revolution of Connected Devices: How AI Will Transform IoT Technology
Understanding Connected Devices
Connected devices have revolutionized the way we live, work, and interact with our surroundings. With the addition of Artificial intelligence (AI), this world of connected devices is about to become a lot more interesting. Also known as the Internet of Things (IoT), connected devices have become an integral part of our everyday lives, from wearables such as Apple Watches and Fitbits to smart thermostats. They also happen to be Nova’s sweet spot and an area our team of designers and engineers loves to make an impact. Read on to learn more about connected devices, how we design them better, and the ethical principles that guide our process.
How They Work
At the core of connected devices are 3 components:
Embedded sensors (and processing), which capture (and analyze) data from the real world,
Antennas, which communicate information wirelessly through Wifi, Bluetooth, or Satellite to a cloud-based server, and
Digital interfaces to share actionable information on our phones or computers OR interface with another connected device
Based on the software baked into each device, they can even act on their own, without human intervention, And with the advancements in AI, the ability for these devices to act on their own is even better. For example, imagine you’re out running errands on a scorching summer day - there have been plenty of those recently. Your thermostat knows that your phone (and probably, you) are not at home, so it sensibly decides to conserve energy by turning off the AC. As you head back home, your phone sends a signal to the thermostat to turn the AC on again. You’re comfortable without making any manual changes, and the electricity bill will be a bit lower this month. By enabling real-time updates, we have a richer view of protecting the things that matter to us, improving efficiency, and even providing moments of joy.
Designing Connected Devices
These software decisions and rules have a real impact on our physical world, and it’s important to design and test these patterns to make sure users aren’t surprised by a sweltering house when they get back with the groceries. A disjointed or inconsistent design can lead to frustration and disengagement among users. At Nova, we recognize the significance of a user-centered design approach. Our dedicated teams of digital and physical designers work together to create connected devices that offer every user a seamless and delightful experience. Here are just a few ways we design connected devices to deliver on that promise:
Employing cohesive design elements, such as color schemes, typography, and iconography, for continuity as users transition between physical and digital interactions.
Pairing, bonding, and connecting - the setup process for these devices is an important first touchpoint that we focus on to get the user experience started on the right foot.
Balancing information displayed on the device versus in an app based on the user's needs.
Considering how much data we really need - we don’t take more data than necessary to provide the user experience, and we prioritize user privacy and control over sensitive data.
Why it Matters
The future is headed for AI-empowered connected devices. It’s a given that they should work well, communicate smoothly, and do their jobs. Beyond that, we believe designing connected devices ethically means using AI and data respectfully and delivering tangible benefits to users. Next time you see a connected device, maybe even one right next to you, ask yourself: who is benefiting from the information being collected? How is it being used? These questions prompt our team to reflect on the service the product can provide to a user, not the other way around.