Authors:
Akash Bhrat Manilal
1
and
Paulo Carreira
2
Affiliations:
1
Technical University of Lisbon, Portugal
;
2
INESC-ID, Portugal
Keyword(s):
Building Automation Systems, Home Automation Systems, User Interfaces, Smart Environment, Human-Machine Interaction, Usability.
Abstract:
As Home and Building Automation Systems become more widespread, the need for more natural forms of interaction also increases. However, many of these technologies are brittle and do not adapt to the user’s explicit or implicit wishes. Indeed, variety of devices and functionalities required in a smart environment makes it difficult to integrate all controls together under a single UI, making it confusing, overwhelming and hard to operate. Moreover, there are no clear guidance when it comes to designing UI for Building and Home Automation Systems. This document analyses existing User Interfaces for Home Automation Systems to uncover their fundamental aspects of interaction. An action plan will be defined in order to develop the ideal UI. In this plan, studies of previous attempts to improve BAS Interfaces will also be presented.