Smart home devices usually tried to blend into users' daily lives with low-profile aesthetics. In this project, I took a different approach with nisus, a mesh WiFi system, to explore how smart home devices could truly become a part of users' homes.
Despite the hardware product, I quickly developed the user interface concept to imagine how I could communicate the design concept across different media.
How might I create an engaging and cooperative experience for Nintendo Labo players?
Mesh WiFi devices are usually placed where users spend the most time. The concept was to use the forms and materials that are familiar to users in their home. The product would sit proudly next to flowers, books, or a lamp, while blending into the background.
Such as plants, the objects users keep visible at their home are things that won't bored or annoyed them. However, the pseudo plant concept had the risk of miscommunication with users of its functions, therefore I proceeded with the other concept.
Glass is a very versatile material for furnishing. To make a glass router that blends into the environment, simulations were made in ray-tracing software to understand how different materials, colors, and sizes would look like behind the frosted glass.
nisus
The mesh system brings inner peace to users by communicating through the warm LED (2500K). The frosted glass shell gives a hint of its components while keeping some level of mystery. It blends into user's living space and decreases the everyday distractions of smart home devices.
User Interface
After initial setup, mesh WiFi apps are less frequently used unless users are experiencing issues with the Internet. I explored different homepage concepts to help users find the information they need, while communicating the design brand language through the interface.
Color Theme
The color palette aimed to bring the analog sensations from reading apps while communicating its functionalities as a smart product. The warm colors also resemble the yellow indicator light on nisus.