Switches, screens, app or voice: how to control a smart home

Switches: the foundation

A switch on the wall is still the quickest way to turn on a light. In an automated home, the same switch can also dim, move blinds or trigger a scene.

• Conventional, wired to a system input: the familiar look, any wiring accessory range.
• Multi-function, with several keys, LEDs and sometimes a temperature sensor.
• Capacitive glass, with custom icons or text.

Rule of thumb: the main key does the obvious thing (that room's light), the secondary keys do the rest.

Touch panels

Useful at one central point, such as the hall or kitchen, to see the state of the house, the video intercom, the alarm and heating. They don't replace switches: nobody wants to navigate menus to turn on a light.

The app

• For things you do occasionally: changing schedules, viewing energy use, checking cameras.
• For things you do from outside: checking the house, letting someone in, turning up the heating before you arrive.
• For receiving alerts.

Voice

Handy with your hands full or for people with reduced mobility. It works well for scenes and simple commands. It should be a complement: it depends on the internet and an external service.

Automation: the best control is not having to control

The hallway light that comes on as you pass, the blind that lowers with the sun, heating that adapts on its own. The more automation handles, the fewer buttons you need.

How to design it

1. Consistency: the same button does the same thing in every room.
2. Labels: clear icons or text on multi-function switches.
3. The minimum by the door, the rest where it's used: by the bed, by the sofa.
4. Always a manual route for the basics, even if the network or phone fails.
5. Think of everyone: children, older people, guests and the cleaner.

Design and interiors

Switches are seen and touched every day. There are finishes in glass, metal or quality plastic, in colours to match the project. Choose them with the interior designer at design stage, because they affect back boxes and cabling.