Successful kick-off of the research project SmartLive on November 27th 2014 in Siegen.

In terms of sustainability, security and enhanced comfort, Smart Homes have grown considerably in importance in the last few years as far as both the economy and politics are concerned. This fact is underlined by the wide range of Smart Home solutions and products already available on the market. Unfortunately, a lack of efficiency in the usability of these products has presented a problem which has so far prevented the broad acceptance of technical solutions. Although general design guidelines already exist for both soft and hardware, they are not suitable for the field of application in private homes. The goal of our new project SmartLive is to address exactly these general guidelines for the Smart Home/smart energy field. The product will be funded over three years by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy with a total budget of 1.2 million Euros.

The project’s official opening event took place on November 27th 2014 at the University of Siegen. Our objective is to develop services and control capabilities for the Smart Home in view of improved and simpler usability for end-users. We aim to achieve this by involving users in the process, together with our application partners devolo AG, ProSyst Software GmbH, the peak lab. GmbH & Co. KG and ASEW GbR An additional feature of this project is the design of new development concepts for small and medium-sized enterprises that will allow them to involve their users and potential clients in the development and design processes at an early stage.

We are now looking for potential participants from the Siegen- Wittgenstein area with experience of Smart Home technology or general interest in this topic and these research activities. Every household with internet access and at least one smartphone can apply to become a test household. Applicants are welcome to register on our website (see Register for details). All candidates will be contacted by an employee from the University of Siegen in January 2015.

Photo  (University of Siegen, Annika Placke): Meeting of the project members and deputy of the funding initiative on November 27th 2014 at the University of Siegen.