In the future, the Internet of Things (IoT) will play an increasingly profound role in our lives, with devices communicating independently and integrating into our daily routines as smart assistants. As a result, demand for smart home technology is growing in tandem with the range of products on offer. In a recent report, market research firm Statista predicted that this year, approximately 12% of households worldwide will own smart home devices, a figure projected to rise to over 21% by 2025—translating to more than 478.2 million users globally. But which of these devices are actually useful? A selection of outstanding technologies and designs has recently been honored with the 2021 iF Design Award, and here we take a closer look at nine of them.
Do you tend to second-guess yourself after leaving the house? Constantly worrying that you forgot to lock the door, turn off the faucet, or shut off the gas can ruin a relaxing vacation on a sunny beach. Today, however, a quick glance at your smartphone is all it takes to confirm that everything is fine at home. Thanks to smart technology, cameras, sensors, locks, lighting, and blinds can be controlled remotely. This not only ensures security and deters intruders by simulating presence, but also prevents property damage and allows remote access for visitors.
