1. Smart Homes - Technologies and Markets EDRA 32 Conference 4 July 2001 Tim Venables SPRU – University of Sussex t.j.g.venables@sussex.ac.uk

2. Outline From the 60s to today New players and technologies People, markets and services Potential Barriers Conclusions

3. Smart homes - the big bang view It has often been held that it is necessary to integrate systems in order to provide the types of functions that people will want to use Many demonstration projects have followed this model and involved major capital investment to deliver a utopian vision of the ‘home of the future’

5. Smart homes - market failure? This has stimulated interest and specific products have been developed However, it has not provided consumers with a realistic model for that can be immediately implemented in an affordable manner This picture may now be changing...

6. ICT trends and the smart home The emerging role of major ICT players in promoting smart homes products and systems Continuing increase in the ownership of personal computers Voice, data and image (VDI) media are increasingly being digitised E-commerce is leading to the development of services for the residential market

7. New ways of thinking Intercommunication instead of integration Modular and scalable Accessible but secure Bandwidth and intelligence appropriate for application

8. Social & Economic Trends Ageing population Changing work patterns Diversity of lifestyles From social structure to network structure

9. The Future Niche markets Focus more on customised solutions Bundled products and services Value-added in service delivery Coordination of systems

10. Consumer Concerns Lack of information Cost of installation and use Complexity in use Reliability, susceptibility to breakdown and foreseeable servicing costs Standards compatibility across applications and when upgrading within specific applications

11. Organisational Structure Is there a need for an installation industry? What role will new players take? What will be the business models for services delivery?

12. Conclusions Various factors could promote the diffusion of smart homes Lack of coherence in industry Lack of information for consumers

13. Further Information http://www.sussex.ac.uk/spru/imichair/ http://www.rethinkinghousebuilding.org/ Gann, D. Barlow, J. & Venables, T. (1999). Digital Futures: Making Homes Smarter. Coventry, Chartered Institute of Housing. Venables, T. & Taylor, C. (2001). Smart Homes; a Specification Guide. York, The Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Venables, T. & Taylor, C. (2001). Smart Homes; A Users Guide. York, The Joseph Rowntree Foundation.