This month, Georgia Tech Center for the Development and Application of Internet of Things Technologies (CDAIT) published an expansive white paper covering, you guessed it, all things IoT.
Titled “Driving New Modes of IoT-Facilitated Citizen/User Engagement,” the paper dives into how human interactions are being shaped by the Internet of Things in a “Smart City” ecosystem — and how IoT developers must keep that fact in mind.
The key takeaway? Integrating IoT into a connected society should actually benefit the people in it, making them “smarter” and more aware. It cannot be a “showcasing [of] technology for technology’s sake.”
Also, the suggested approach to developing user-centric IT solutions is near and dear to our hearts: Design Thinking. As a company founded and run by a designer, we understand innately how that process leads to decisions made with humanity in mind.
“During my time running a human-centered design team for a global portfolio of connected devices at Philips, I saw the unparalleled benefits of focusing on the user for each and every design decision,” says Kit Hughes, CEO of Look Listen. “Now, after leading Look Listen through designing and developing IoT solutions for companies like Flex and GE, the impact of creating a deep emotional connection with people through connected products and apps is undeniable.” Hughes continues, “If you listen to users, anticipate their needs, meet them where they are, and seek to make their experience better, you will create a bond that is stronger than most of their day-to-day human relationships.
“What this paper also confirms is that the City of Atlanta and the Metro Atlanta Chamber have their focus right: Smart Cities and Intelligent Transportation and Logistics. With initiatives like the Smart Corridor and IoT.ATL, Atlanta sets itself up to solve current and future problems in an intelligent way,” Hughes says. “Honestly, what I am the most excited about is how these initiatives can heal the long recognized social and economic disparity in cities like Atlanta. A truly ‘smart city’ is one that provides better and more efficient services while empowering its citizens to achieve a new level of health and success.”
As we look forward to the future of IoT, we are encouraged to hear that its champions are not prioritizing the technology above the user. Read the full Georgia Tech paper, or contact us to start a conversation about how to apply Design Thinking and other advanced principles to your next initiative.
