Smartline Research
Engagement with smart devices and data collection
Smartline has installed sensors in over 300 Coastline Housing homes in Cornwall to monitor the indoor environment by recording data such as temperature, air quality and humidity. Householders were also offered a smart device, known as a tablet, to help them access this data. Training was also provided on how to use the tablet.
We expected people would engage with their tablets – but the usage has proved to be low, with only 63 householders accessing the data via the tablet. Why is this?
Why is this research important?
Having sensors installed inside the home can help people to understand their home environment so they can make positive choices to improve their health and wellbeing. For example, without a sensor, homes that aren’t actively managed for temperature and humidity can develop problems such as damp and mould growth.
This affects peoples physical health, wellbeing and comfort, as well as creating maintenance and building issues.
Understanding how people access, understand and use the home data that is collected using sensors is also important to ensure as many people as possible can use the information to benefit their lives.
What research has been carried out so far?
Smartline has access to the tablet usage data; and through this, we have identified the highest and the lowest tablet users.
We carried out interviews with the ten highest and ten lowest users and asked if anyone had changed their behaviour since the sensors had been installed in 2018.
We have also carried out an online evaluation survey, and received 31 usable responses.
What has the research shown?
As other research with electricity smart meters has shown, sensor data doesn’t necessarily lead to changes in behaviour. Users can quickly become bored with monitoring their smart data.
Here the Smartline team show people how to use the tablets.
We identified other reasons why people may not have engaged with using the tablets. For future, the digital interface (like the home screen) needs adjustments to show people how to access and understanding the data. A purpose-built digital dashboard with clear on-screen directions could help to improve the user experience. Smartline is now working with the participants to develop the interface, based on their feedback and experience.
Digital exclusion is another key reason people may not have used the tablet, and this is being explored in other Smartline research.
What could be the impacts?
It’s clear that many individuals won’t, don’t or can’t use the sensor data and the tablet. However, associations like Coastline Housing are in a unique position to be able to provide support by using our research to inform decisions.
Home sensor technology provides significant value for the householder, the housing association, and the landlord. With the necessary consents and permissions from householders in place, by monitoring the sensor data, the housing association can identify households and properties at risk so they can intervene to provide support. For example, spotting unusual readings could indicate problems with people’s heating systems, or help to spot potential for high mould growth.
What are the next steps?
In July, Smartline begins a series of focus groups. This is to gain feedback on the new bespoke dashboard developed to help participants view and understand their environmental sensor data. Will we see an upsurge in tablet use with a tailor-made interface, and see changes in the data about how they manage their homes?
Who is involved with this research?
The project is led by Dr Tim Walker and Dr Tamaryn Menneer from the University of Exeter, alongside Dr Gengyang Tu, Dr Markus Mueller and Prof Emma Bland. Thanks to Emmanuel Beyene (Mathematical Sciences work placement student), Ian Wellaway, Mark England and Thomas Bailey.
Additional Research
How feasible and accepted is digital technology among social housing residents?
This research and research poster explores how Cornwall’s social housing residents use digital technology that aims to improve health and wellbeing. The findings uncover that people want and need to use technology to improve health, wellbeing and to feel socially connected.