Smart homes: the future of residential interiors?

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to exemplify the research question: What are a smart home's characteristics, advantages and disadvantages in the present day and how do users relate to the new living phenomena and its connected technologies? The two methods used are qualitative research including literature review, which has been carried out in the English language only, and case studies. The used literature focuses on general definitions, the history of smart homes, smart devices and networks and comments on benefits and problem with an insight of the users' perspectives. The two case studies compare two different scenarios: one executing a national survey looking at advantages and disadvantages and the other describing a personal experience of moving into a smart home. In order to provide a clear structure, a comparative assessment of the case studies is provided and a conclusion is given at the end with an approach to the estimated future of smart homes. Final, a project proposal for a smart hotel apartment is given and a graphic depiction of the proposal is given in form of a project documentation.