Exploring Future IoT for Families through End User Development: Applying Do-It-Together Practises to Reveal Family Dynamics in Technology Adoption

Abstract

Industry and research increasingly explore opportunities to make our homes smart, e.g. through the Internet of Things (IoT). Technological developments nurture this rise of smart products, seemingly corresponding to households' needs. Yet, these domestic environments remain a complex domain to study or design for. This work explores the understudied complexity of families' needs and values in relation to connected and smart technology, in particular as a multi-user group. By leveraging participatory and do-it-yourself practices, I aim to engage families in discussion - and empower them to externalize and reflect upon their views. As such, I can study their reflective practices to reveal (tacit) understandings and (latent) needs which informs future developments in smart home technologies.