Experts discussed trending technology and what consumers want.
By Loren Kessell
A growing need to establish healthy, comfortable homes during the pandemic is strengthening existing trends and creating new ones in the technology sphere. Concerns such as indoor air quality in the home, fostering relaxation and having peace of mind are driving these requests.
KBIS Virtual featured panels on the KBIS NeXT Stage including the technology-focused “The New Frontier: Technology Takes Its Place,” moderated by Jason Knott, chief content officer for CE Pro. He spoke with a panel of experts including Chris Brandon, president of Brandon Architects; Anthony Antolino, chief commercial officer and CMO for Delos, and Daryl C. Williams, senior director of new product introduction and technology infrastructure, for GE Appliances. Here are some of their key takeaways about technology in the home.
1. Using Technology to Improve Wellness
Consumers are interested in adding systems and products to their homes that will improve overall health and mindfulness. As the pandemic caused people to rethink how their homes function, their interest in indoor air quality increased and they became more aware of lighting and what affects their sleep.
“We have a saying,” Antolino said. “A home is not smart unless it’s healthy.”
He discussed how Americans currently spend 90% of their time indoors at home, and sensor-based technology works toward the goal of monitoring air quality based on specific data. It’s an example of how smart-home technology, when used properly, can add to the overall wellness of the home.
Williams said appliances are now shifting to meet these needs as well, such as providing consumers with ways to track their food in the fridge, helping to eliminate food waste, and provide systems that let them grow some of their own produce as well as products that preserve freshness.
“Food waste is a significant problem,” Williams said. “It’s a significant form of waste and very expensive.”
Lighting is another swap gaining consumer interest, such as circadian-based systems that change throughout the day with blue tones and warm tones to promote better sleep.
2. Seamless Integration and Easy-to-Use Tech
Technology in the home is important to many, but consumers also want it to be aesthetically pleasing. Usually this means as invisible as possible. This where collaboration and integration best practices are important. The panelists agreed that including all involved parties, from integrator to architect to designer, from the beginning of the project’s planning stages is the most effective way to ensure the process is completed smoothly and correctly.
Appliances should also work together and foster a user-friendly network that helps to streamline processes from cooking in the kitchen to relaxing in the bedroom. Including an integrator up front allows for developing the proper infrastructure that is necessary for this ask.
“If your appliances are able to facilitate your excellence in that room, that’s going to lead to a more satisfying experience,” Williams said.
Appliances and home systems should be adaptable and able to change with the consumer in order to eliminate obsolescence and to future-proof them, to keep adding value to that person’s lifestyle. Finally, they need to be simple to use, because the last thing a homeowner wants is to be frustrated by technology that’s supposed to enhance their lives.
3. Multi-Use Integrated Spaces
Work, home and school rolled into one space throughout the year in various ways and to varying degrees, from partial to fully remote. Consumers want spaces that function in several ways, including home offices, home gyms and outdoor entertainment spaces. What these spaces look like depends on the individual’s needs, but the core values of promoting health, wellness and separation of school and work remain consistent.
“We take the lifestyle and how the clients will live in the home, and we try to maximize the space,” Brandon said.
With some families housing multiple generations under one roof, it’s important for these spaces to serve several needs while using technology that keeps them safe, happy and healthy.
To watch this presentation and other KBIS Virtual content, click here.
