Any time we have a chance to attend an event focused on customers and their experiences, we jump on it! Earlier this month we were at TecHome X Sessions in Long Beach, CA. Not only did the event sessions and panels discuss CX trends and best practices, we caught a glimpse of what’s new in the Home Technology (SmartHome) Industry… and we want all of it.
Here is a quick overview of some key takeaways from the event…
First, let’s address the term itself, connect home or smart home. Definition: “Smart Home” is the term commonly used to define a residence that has appliances, lighting, heating, air conditioning, TVs, computers, entertainment audio & video systems, security, and camera systems that are capable of communicating with one another and can be controlled remotely by a time schedule, from any room in the home, as well as remotely from any location in the world by phone or internet.
Smart Home Market Research
Data points to consumers being confused and reluctant to engage and purchase a complete connected home system. Consumers are receiving mixed messages and missing the value add target. With the rise of DIY home automation solutions like the Nest, Amazon Echo and Ring, marketers are challenged with engaging customers both with an online and in-store customer experience. As of 2016, 10-15% of households are connected homes and most of these have an early adopter in the family. The challenge is how to get the next group of consumers to believe and purchase connected home technology.
How are you going to make people’s life better? Let’s design a strategy that provides opportunities for a simple and comfortable experience – here’s how.
Visual Storytelling – stand out by connecting products to powerful human stories
Hands-On Display – meet the consumer where they are – create learning labs with real life home schematics
Crystal Clear Use-Case Focus – eliminate the friction and fear associated with the technology aspect and share the why
Knowledgeable Staff – training is key – consumers expect expertise in product and people
Based on the above four components, we were impressed with these how these retailers are connecting (pun intended) with their customers.
Target: San Francisco, OPEN HOUSE – developed with 20 months of consumer research
Open House Connected Home
Best Buy: TECH HOME in Mall of America
Best Buy’s Tech Home: Where Smart Things Live
If you’re ready to take your brand to another level within the digital playing field, we’re here to pave the way. We’ve spent over 30 years equipping brands with the information they need to stay relevant in an increasingly competitive market space, and we can do the same for you.
Click here to reach out so we can get the conversation started.
