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Ditch the switch

“While every person is unique, human behaviour is predictable” ~ Anon

Our daily lives are mostly predictable, or at least very regular; from the moment we wake, to when we sleep.

A well designed smart home can take advantage of regularity, to automate everyday tasks and routines, and mostly eliminate the need for manual control, and ditching the switch.

Connected power and lighting

“Power and lighting control are the foundation of any smart home or smart building” – Simon Lakey

A smart home must have a connected power and lighting system, that will include at least: intelligent sensors, a scheduler, and a task engine.

Intelligent sensors detect motion and light levels in a room or area, to automatically control power and lighting. Sensors allow lights to operate only when required, monitoring  motion, presence and absence, and the level of natural light.

A scheduler assists in the automation of regular routines and tasks. Systems know the geographic location of the house; knowing time, day, month and year, sunrise and sunset, seasons, daylight savings, and holidays. In-built timers automatically control power and lighting at predetermined times, and lengths of time.

Powerful microprocessor task engines are distributed within the system to bring everything together, to work automatically. Using conditional logic, information from sensors and other inputs are compared and evaluated with the scheduler to make the magic of the smart home happen.

Old habits, new ways

For almost 140 years, since the invention of the electric light, we have been conditioned to manually switch power and lights, to initiate a cause and effect.

A new building utilises more lighting options than ever before, to provide architectural, feature and task lighting. Lights should be grouped into logical channels, areas and presets, to create usable scenes.

A well designed smart home needs to consider the use of each room or area, and provide adequate presets and scenes to enable required functionality.

Presets and scenes can be triggered by a combination of sensor activity, schedules and conditional logic.

Ditch the switch?

For a smart home to be truly ‘smart’, there needs to be a focus on intuitiveness, simplicity and usability.

The modern smart home already uses less switches than a traditional home, as there is less need to use switches as we traditionally have. We no longer need switches in every room, when sensors can detect presence and absense, and task engines can automate regular routines and tasks.

With careful consideration of the home owner and resident’s lifestyle, we may not need an abundance of manual switches. If there is a specific need, there are intuitive control panels, mobile applications and other solutions, such as voice control, that can compliment an intelligent connected power and lighting system.

If you’re still unsure about cutting ties to switches, you can easily allow for networked switches by pre-wiring an appropriate data cable, that can be readily accessed if required.

The time has come to ditch the switch.

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Sonos PLAY:1

If you’re new to streaming digital music, I introduce you to Sonos and their PLAY:1 wireless speaker. If you are already a user of digital music you possibly know all about Sonos, and could probably do with having an additional speaker for somewhere in the home or office.

Sonos were one of the first bunch of manufacturers that made speaker systems for streaming digital music, and made it simple to do so. At the time, the Sonos user interface was very familiar with the Apple iTunes and Apple iPod user interface, making the system very simple to use. Today, most users will control the Sonos system from their connected mobile device.

Where music used to be stored on a computer or associated hard drive of some type (which you can still do), many users will use an online streaming service such as Spotify Google Play Music, Pandora, Apple Music etc. (Sonos indicates their system is compatible with over 30 different streaming services), to have access to millions of songs. Digital streaming radio services can be listened to via popular streaming radio apps such as TuneIn Radio and iHeart Radio.

The Sonos PLAY:1 is a compact speaker with a big sound. Although technically not a wireless speaker (It has no internal battery and requires it’s main power cable to be plugged into a power outlet), it can connect wirelessly to your wifi network. After downloading the Sonos Controller mobile app, and performing a quick set-up, you’re ready to listen to your favourite music, radio or podcast.

The PLAY:1 is great for the bedside table and can be programmed as a wake-up alarm, playing your favourite content each morning, or using the sleep function the help you drift off to sleep in the evening. Although not water resistant, the PLAY:1 is humidity resistant and suitable for being placed in a bathroom.

Although the PLAY:1 is a mono speaker, two single speakers can be linked together within the mobile app to provide stern sound. If you need more sound or better sound quality, Sonos have a range of other speakers, soundbar, subwoofer and accessories to complete your whole-house listening experience.

The only thing the Sonos PLAY:1 lacks is Bluetooth connectivity to connect and stream digital content directly from your phone, rather than needing a wifi connection. Sonos go to some length to convince users that Bluetooth connectivity is not needed, but I would still like it, especially to play Podcasts from third-party podcasting apps such as Overcast or Pocketcasts etc. from my phone.

Available in white or black, the Sonos PLAY:1 currently sells for around AU$250 through local Australian retailers like JB HiFi.

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Chipolo

I’m always misplacing basic everyday things; my wallet, my keys etc. Chipolo is a great little accessory that will help you find your things when you misplace them.

Chipolo is a small Bluetooth tracker, about the size of a 50c coin, and available in a range of vivid colours. It features a small keyring loop, enabling it to be attached to your things. The CR2025 battery is replaceable, and last around 6 months,

After downloading the Chipolo mobile app, and some brief setting up, you are good to go, and can enjoy life without the stress of search for your misplaced things.

Chipolo, like other bluetooth trackers, works by being in constant bluetooth connection (or at least when your phones GPS detects a different location) with your smart phone. When your Chipolo connected item is separated from your smart phone, it logs the last time they were together.

If your Chipolo connected item is within Bluetooth range (approximately 20m), simply launch the Chipolo app on your phone to see a list of your items, select the item, and ring it. Hopefully, your item will emit a tune allowing you to locate it. This works really well, if your wallet or keys have been left in your trouser pocket, or perhaps fallen out somewhere close by.

Chipolo will sound an alert on your phone if your connected item becomes separated, saving you from perhaps leaving for the office without you wallet, or similar. To minimise constant item separation from your phone, you can set up quiet-zone locations.

Chipolo even works in the reverse with a misplaced phone. Simply shake your Chipolo, and your phone will sound an alert if in close Bluetooth range.

I love my Chipolos, and have never misplaced my everyday things since having them connected to my keys, wallet, bag, and camera.

Chipolos can be purchased online from Chipolo, or via a local reseller for under AU$40 each.

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Tech Gift Guide

Looking for the perfect gift for someone who loves tech and gadgets? Start here with my Tech Gift Guide:

  1. Tile Bluetooth tracker that helps to stop misplacing everyday things.
  2. Sonos PLAY:1 mini home speaker with mighty sound.
  3. Apple iPad Pro tablet
  4. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite compact e-Book reader for the avid book reader, traveller or minimalist.
  5. Chipolo Bluetooth tracker that makes it easy to locate your keys, wallet and other things.
  6. Philips Hue
  7. GoPro Hero
  8. Nintendo Switch
  9. Apple AirPods
  10. Apple Watch
  11. Bose QC35 noise-cancelling headphones
  12. Google Home
  13. Apple iTunes gift cards
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Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

Books take up a lot of space – you have to put them somewhere. In my attempt to de-clutter with a vision of maintaining a more minimalist lifestyle, I introduce you to the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite. After experiencing this e-book ready, I don’t think I’m ever buying a paper book again (maybe)!

The compact form factor is considerably lighter than a paperback, and is easy to hold. Unlike tablets, there is no screen glare, even in bright sunlight. The screen is nothing like a tablet or computer screen with the e-ink display being very crisp and easy on the eyes with a high resolution 300 psi screen. The screen front and size can easily be adjusted to relieve eye strain. The built-in adjustable light allow reading in bright sunlight or at night.

The battery life seems to last forever. Amazon says that single battery charge lasts weeks, rather than hours. My Kindle often sits unused for weeks, but there is always ample charge when I need it. I just remember to charge it before I travel, and never need to recharge on a typical holiday break.

The Kindle Paperwhite has WiFi connectivity, that when linked with your personal Amazon account quickly syncs up all your purchased books. The 4GB internal memory supposedly holds thousands of books, that I don’t think I’ll ever fill up. The Kindle can read all of the main e-book formats, that can easily be converted and synced using the free Calibre app.

The only negative with the grey scale kindle screen is that book with photographs or image are black and white, and not presented in colour as they would in a paper book.

The Kindle is a great gift for the avid reader and/or traveller, or for users like myself who don’t want to deal with bookshelf storage of paper books.

The Kindle Paperwhite sells for around AU$169 from local store such as Officeworks and JB HiFi.

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Simple Can Be Harder Than Complex

The evolution of LED lighting together with modern lighting design philosophies, and local design and building regulations, sees more complex lighting designs today than those of the past.

With more lights and different types of lights in a building, effective control cannot be achieved with traditional switching and dimming inputs. Multiple switching and dimming interfaces becomes overly complex, and counter-intuitive.

Compounded complexity

Even with the progression electronic lighting control systems, most systems merely replicate traditional switching and dimming control, albeit electronically. The pitch and promise of simplicity and intelligent control is rarely delivered to the project and end-user.

Ironically, by way of the ‘technology functionality paradox’, typical electronic lighting control systems can become even more complex, more counter-intuitive, and more confusing for the end-user.

I see many projects, and hear our many more, where the lighting control system has been ‘designed’ to control lights in a space with the user experience only considered as a means to switch or dim, resulting in an inadequate system that has little value.

A simple solution may not be the easiest

A paradigm shift is needed to think about how a building, room or space is actually going to be used – smart building systems should be designed for the user.

A smart building needs to be controlled by a quality networked lighting control and automation system that considers what the application is, who the user is, and how the spaces are to be used.

For close to thirty years the Australian designed and manufactured Dynalite lighting control system by Philips has been built on concepts of areas and presets, in a similar way that professional lighting engineers have efficiently controlled complex lighting consoles for decades.

A single button preset adjusts all lights to predetermined levels. The complexity of the lighting control system is expertly handled in the background, while the end-user enjoys a simple user interface.

The lighting control system becomes even more simple for the user by introducing intelligent sensors, timers and scheduling, and integration of other electronic systems.

Why are systems not simple?

So, why are many (perhaps most) electronic lighting control systems not simple and intuitive? Well, it’s because making things simple can be actually harder than just leaving then as being complex. The project needs to invest professional and expert time and thought to make a system simple, however, the return on investment may not be immediate.

Unfortunately some project stakeholders and other project influencers who don’t understand the vision of smart buildings, may have a greater focus on reducing costs and/or increasing profit margins. The ‘simpleness’ of a system becomes ‘valued engineered’ out of the project, perhaps for a lesser system.

The client is often left (sometimes unknowingly) with an inept and underwhelming control system for the next thirty to forty years that will never achieve the functionality requirements of a smart building of the future.

As a consequence, many electronic lighting control systems receive a bad rap for being overpriced, cumbersome and dysfunctional, and are never considered for the next project.

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Keyless Access

Kevo_Spl2

 

We use keyless access almost everyday with our cars, where keyless access or central locking is now a standard feature. Younger generations probably can’t even remember the days of manually locking and unlocking a car door. These days, with keyless ignition in some cars, you don’t even have to take the key out of your pocket or handbag to unlock and start the car.

Some may also be familiar with keyless access control system in the workplace, having experienced the convenience and security of swipe cards, keypads, key fobs, or even biometric fingerprint readers. Residential systems provide similar functionality, and are these days much more attractive.

In a new home build, the keyless access system can be standalone, but typically integrated with the security system. An expert integration specialist will discuss your requirements, and take in consideration your ingress, egress and regress requirements, and the type of doors specified, to design a total access control solution.

Keyless access systems can be provided to just a single door, such as the main entry door, or if done really well, to every access door throughout the home, for a true central locking experience. Almost any door can be fitted for keyless access, including sliding doors and gates.

For the retrofit market, there are many DIY solutions, that can be purchased from your local hardware store. Some feature intelligent smart phone integration, others an integrated keypad for PIN code access, or a remote key fob. All keyless access systems can be overridden by a traditional manual key.

With a keyless access system, you will enjoy the new convenience of being keyless. You can now head out for a walk, run or cycle knowing that your home is safely secured, without needing to carry a bunch of keys, or perhaps come home with bags of shopping, and not fumbling for your keys.

Implemented correctly, a keyless access system will be one of the most appreciated home systems.

 

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Enlightened Control

Antumbra

 

“Design is not just what it looks and feels like. Design is how it work.” – Steve Jobs

Most home owners give considerable thought to what their new home will look like – the floor plan, bench top materials, shower head type, curtain fabrics etc., but perhaps don’t give as much thought into how things will really work.

As a key foundation for a smart home, an electronic lighting system is one of the first electronic systems that should be considered for any building. Electronic lighting systems have been around for the best part of a quarter of a century, but in many homes, systems have been poorly designed, incorrectly installed, inadequately delivered, and under-utilised.

Without proper design consideration, a lighting control system can be nothing more than an over complicated, expensive electronic dimming system, that promises the world. There are many installed lighting control systems where electronic light switches merely replicate traditional light switches, and underwhelms the purchaser.

From experience, confusing and over complex lighting control systems never provide ideal room control, and therefore never presents the intended lighting to its best potential. The supposedly simple act of switching and adjusting lights becomes a counter-intuitive, cumbersome task – hardly the feature of a smart home.

A well designed lighting control system will consider how a room or area will be used. Lights are logically grouped together, and presets are created using these groupings, to customise the room to your requirements. The lighting control panel elegantly consolidates multiple buttons to control your lights and other systems. Buttons can be custom labeled with multi-language text or icons to suit the application.

In an example of a residential kitchen, a button labeled Cooking, could switch on the kitchen downlights, pendant lights, overhead cupboard lights, pantry lights, the kitchen exhaust fan, and perhaps play your favourite music album – everything you may need to prepare the family dinner. Individual light levels are automatically set to your exact requirements. The user can quickly and easily control all required lights at the touch of a single button, rather than having to manually adjust each and every light.

Today, progressive lighting control manufacturers provide beautiful, elegant switch panels that can be custom labeled for the application and project, allowing the user to quickly and easily identify the functionality of the room. Functionality can also extend to the practical, with intelligent panels that magically illuminate when your hand waves over fascia, and temperature sensors that can integrate with a heating and cooling system.

Other home systems such as motorised blinds, security and audio visual, can be easily controlled from a single room control panel. When integrated with intelligent motion sensors, ambient light sensors, and timers, functionality can be further extended. Lights can automatically be controlled, seemingly knowing your routines and intentions, without you even having to touch a button – now, that’s a smart home!

 

Philips Dynalite Antumbra series of lighting control panels
Philips Dynalite Antumbra series of lighting control panels

 

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Design for the Future, Now

electric-home-of-the-future

 

About 6-8 millions years ago, the common ancestors of humans and apes went their seperate evolutionary ways. The human brain became considerably larger by having the unique skills that helped develop it. Ever since these early days, humans have found solutions to problems, and found new methods and inventions to become more efficient. In our quest to populate Earth and the universe beyond, science and technology that will take us into the future.

As we progress further into the 21st century, we truly live in a technological world. Technology is a solution to being efficient, to overcome problems, to being connected. We have had a century of many technological advances and modern conveniences that provided us with time saving appliances and information hungry devices. We now live in a connected world, where appliances and devices are connected to each other by a huge network – the cloud. Welcome to the Internet of Things.

The early 20th century saw the introduction of domestic technology, or household machines. These were typically appliances that made life easier (e.g. sewing machines, washing machines, vacuum cleaners etc.). In 1939 Popular Mechanics Magazine predicted the future with a cover and article The Electric Home of the Future, that depicted many modern day appliances.

Early adopters created their own ‘smart homes’ (a loose term by todays standards) in the 1960s after the visions of the dreamers of the 1950s. The first home automation machines arrived in the late 1960s in the form of the home computers, that were very large, and very expensive. Such machines or computers, could be programmed to perform simple tasks – turn appliances on/off, adjust temperature etc.

In the 1970s, the grandfather of home automation, X10 became available – a simple, but unreliable system that could control appliances over power lines. The 1980s and 1990s saw the development of networked systems (e.g. lighting control and wireless data) and digital media (e.g. Compact Disc by Philips and Sony). The Apple iPod arrived in the early 2000s, followed my smart phones with revolutionary touch screen user interfaces. The rest is history, as devices become even more convenient and connected.

There are technological steps we need to take in order to advance into the future. For our personal living, we currently enjoy the convenience of smart appliances (e.g. lighting systems, digital music systems etc.) and smart devices (e.g. mobile phones, tablets, wearables etc.), that when integrated, provide the basics of a smart home.

In a smart home, multiple appliances and systems are connected to each other, and controlled by smart devices. With the progression of the Internet of Things, smart homes will evolve and become connected homes within smart cities.

Home owners, specifiers, and other influential stakeholders need to be aware of the latest smart home technologies, and implement at least the core systems – power, lighting and data, to best future proof the home.

If we design for today, we will only have homes for today, and not for the future. Design for the future, now.