Technology with Purpose
As an innovation and design consultancy, the Smallfry team are exposed to cutting-edge technological advancements almost every day. However, one member of the Smallfry team, our Head of Sales & Marketing, is particularly invested in new technology when it comes to updating her smart home system.
Kelly has a range of in-home devices, including a connected washing machine, a robotic vacuum, and smart lightbulbs, blinds and cameras. These devices connect to her Apple HomeKit and Hive Home mobile apps, from which she can control them all.
This week, Kelly shared that her robotic vacuum mopped and vacuumed her entire house over the weekend. A chore that would have taken Kelly multiple hours; now completed with nothing more than a five-minute setup.
Buying for Benefits, Not Features
While Kelly may be an anomaly regarding the number of smart home devices she owns, 39% of UK households currently have at least one smart device, predicted to increase to 99% of UK households by 2027.
The growing adoption of smart home technology in the UK is a testament to the value these innovations bring to everyday life. Kelly’s experience with her robotic vacuum cleaner demonstrates how smart devices offer not just technological sophistication but, more importantly, tangible benefits like saving time and enhanced convenience. While the vacuum completed a deep clean of the house, Kelly was free to enjoy her weekend.
Evidently Kelly is not alone in her appreciation of the benefits these devices offer. However, most consumers have little understanding of how the technology actually works – and they don’t need to. For the average person, the allure of smart home devices lies in the convenience and simplicity they offer, not in the complexities of their operation.
Consider this: when setting up a smart thermostat, very few users are concerned with the intricacies of its algorithms. What matters to them is the ease of adjusting their home’s temperature from their phone, or how much they’ll save on energy bills.
The Consumer Mindset
This consumer mindset perfectly aligns with the core idea that people buy technology for the benefits it provides, not for the technology itself. The average user craves solutions that make life simpler, more efficient, and more enjoyable, without needing to grasp the tech behind the scenes.
As the discussion around smart home technology and consumer behaviour illustrates, understanding what drives consumer choices is pivotal for any business aiming to thrive in today’s market. This is where Smallfry’s strategy and consumer insights services come into play, offering invaluable guidance to businesses looking to align their offerings with what truly matters to their audience.
These services provide a window into the motivations and desires that influence consumers’ purchasing decisions. This knowledge empowers businesses to design products that prioritise user benefits, ensuring that technological advancements translate into meaningful solutions.
In the context of the smart home market, leveraging these insights means identifying the specific conveniences that resonate with users – be it timesaving, enhanced security, or energy efficiency. With our expertise, our clients have confidently navigated the complexities of consumer expectations and technological possibilities, launching products that truly make a difference.
Prioritise the user, and success will follow.
Reach out to Smallfry today and discover how we can help you align your innovation goals with your consumers’ desires.
