Usability testing session: the SmartLivingNEXT app is taking shape

The SmartLivingNEXT project aims to create an open and autonomous digital ecosystem that makes living spaces and lifestyles more efficient and sustainable. The aim is to connect stakeholders from the housing sector, the energy sector and service providers in the residential environment so that they can exchange data and services securely and in compliance with data protection regulations. 

A key component of this ecosystem is the SmartLivingNEXT app, which is designed to provide tenants with easy access to relevant information. It not only displays energy consumption and costs, but also offers tools to analyse individual user behaviour and identify opportunities for optimisation. The aim is to save energy, reduce costs and thereby contribute to sustainability. 

Materna is developing the app based on technologies from the ForeSightNEXT project, which were developed in particular in collaboration with the project partner, the German Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI). This project provides the infrastructure, the necessary components for sovereign data exchange and AI services. 

In this way, the app helps to integrate the digital ecosystem into users’ everyday lives. You can find out more about the background and objectives of the project in our other blog post. 

Insights into the testing phase

On 11 December, the nine participants in the usability test session had the opportunity to go through two test stations and evaluate an initial click-through prototype of the app. The focus was on two key functions: creating measurement points and entering measurement values. In addition, the design of the dashboard and the individual app screens was reviewed to further enhance user-friendliness. 

The feedback from the participants provided valuable insights that will be directly incorporated into the app’s further development. The tests enabled us to identify areas for improvement, which are now being formalised in the form of additional requirements for the app. The aim is clear: to create an intuitive, easy-to-understand and visually appealing user interface that actively supports tenants in analysing their energy consumption and making behavioural changes to save energy. 

Exchange in a relaxed atmosphere

The event not only provided an opportunity to optimise the app, but also a space for creative exchange. In a relaxed atmosphere, accompanied by snacks, pizza and drinks, the participants struck up conversations and were able to share their impressions of the tests. Among other things, the focus was on the app’s name, with participants discussing an alternative to “SmartLivingNext” together. 

This relaxed environment proved ideal for gathering honest and constructive feedback. The open format of the event encouraged participants to actively contribute their ideas and suggestions – a key factor in the app’s further development. 

Outlook

The next major milestone is the release of the app in the first quarter of 2025 on the major app stores. With features such as the display of energy consumption and the ability to enter electricity usage figures and contracts, the app aims to help tenants optimise their energy costs and play an active role in shaping sustainability. Future releases of the app are set to offer additional features such as personalised energy-saving tips and further enhance the user experience. 

The SmartLivingNEXT project demonstrates how digital innovations can revolutionise the homes of the future – and the app will be a key component of this progress.