5 Smart Home Devices that Boost Productivity

 

As we navigate an increasingly digitalised era, our reliance on ‘smart’ solutions has become more apparent. From smartphones to smart watches, smart cities to smart homes, the digital convergence of next-generation IT solutions has altered the way we go about our daily lives.

Zeroing in on smart homes, we’d like to take a look at some devices within this multi-billion dollar industry that can boost individual productivity. This is especially so as the normalisation of remote work increases our time spent at home and pushes us to seek ways to make our homes more comfortable and convenient for work, rest and play. Smart homes are often equipped with electronic devices and appliances that can be controlled remotely, with connection to the internet.

In fact, owning a smart home in a country like Singapore is not an uncommon phenomenon with the proliferation of ‘new gen handymen’ that provide services beyond the usual electrical repairs, to include setting up of electronic devices and appliances that make a home smart. Additionally, according to a survey conducted by Qingjian Realty, more than half of Singaporeans aged between 20 and 40 years are willing to pay additional costs to set up a smart home. Let’s explore 5 devices found in smart homes that can boost your productivity!



Smart home assistants

According to the Singapore Business Review, Singapore is the second most overworked city where individuals work for up to 46 hours per week on average. For individuals living in such an environment, having a smart assistant that can carry out menial tasks with a simple voice command could ease one’s workload significantly and lead to productivity-boosting possibilities. Smart home assistants are able to answer simple questions quickly, such as the weather forecast, calendar events lined up for the day and so on. Smart assistants can also keep us updated on our schedule, set reminders on deadlines and even our grocery lists - a great help in keeping users organised. All this is done without users having to manually key in searches online or write things down on a notepad. Another instance where the smart assistant comes handy is in playing some ambient but not overly distracting audio, for individuals who prefer working with music or white noise to cover ambient sounds. As smart assistants can also connect with other owned smart devices, users can coordinate between all their smart appliances to help with tasks that can easily be automated.




Smart light bulbs

Just as dim lighting can strain the eyes, lighting that is too bright can also lead to headaches and impact one’s level of motivation. Smart light bulbs have empowered users to customise their lighting according to their preferences, and the amount of natural light that pours into the room. Users can do so via a wi-fi or bluetooth device that allows remote control with a click of a button or voice command to a smart-home assistant or mobile device. Users no longer have to switch the lights on, off or adjust brightness directly at the light switch itself. More advanced smart lights even allow users to choose specific settings that help with focus and precision. Furthermore, as smart light bulbs tend to use LEDs, and with adjustments to brightness levels according to the time of day, users may also limit their energy use, enacting cost savings in the long run.



Smart thermostat and air purifiers

Studies have shown that the ideal temperature for employee productivity is 21 to 22 degrees celsius, and that warm environments are better for creativity while cooler rooms help with focus on repetitive tasks. Having a smart thermostat enables users to adjust the temperature of the room according to their preferences for comfort and the ideal temperature to boost productivity. Smart air purifiers are also essential in keeping the air quality indoors fresh and free from pollutants. A smart air purifier can monitor air quality and schedule cleaning accordingly, to reduce build up of toxins.



Home security cameras

A home security camera has granted convenience to homeowners, especially working parents, by allowing them to monitor loved ones on their mobile devices, even when they are not physically present at home or in the same room. With access to footage of their children’s activities, parents who are busy working have some peace of mind, which translates to a greater capacity to feel reassured and productive while working. Home security cameras placed at the main door can also help with surveillance at home, and deter burglars from breaking in. Even in the event of a burglary, the camera would be able to capture and gather evidence of what was stolen and the identity of the perpetrator. The knowledge that the home and its occupants are kept safe comes as a relief to individuals who are better able to focus on other tasks at hand.



Smart locks

Parallel to the idea of making payments simply by tapping our phones or credit cards instead of handing over cash, a smart lock enables us to unlock doors with mobile phones, fingerprints or a passcode, instead of relying on a set of bulky keys. This is a hassle free, convenient and more efficient option for users who prefer to pack light and not fumble over keys especially when their hands are full. For some of us who often forget if we’ve locked the door once we leave home, smart locks alert users when the door is left unlocked. Users can check on and control their smart locks remotely. As such, smart locks offer users with a greater sense of control, convenience and efficiency.

With smart technology making its way into our lives, we have experienced an increasing trend in transitioning our homes towards becoming ‘smarter.’ Backed by a plethora of smart devices, as we embrace this era of digital transformation, we have sought to leverage these very devices to support our pursuit of living, working and playing more meaningfully, efficiently and productively.

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