Browsing by Author "Kovala, Antti"

Goal. There is only little Finnish research about smart home technology studied from user’s experience. The aim of this thesis is to find how early adopters use technology in smart homes and what types of benefits and challenges living in a smart home create. Additionally, the thesis describes experiences of living in a smart home compared to living in a traditional home. The use and experiences of smart home technologies are interpreted in the light of home economics science's framework focusing on skills, knowledge and functionality. Methods. The study has been carried out by using a qualitative research strategy. The research material consists of six semi-structured phone interviews. The interview frame consists of six themes based on the research questions. Interviewees were men aged 25 to 45 representing different parts of Finland, and they all lived in smart homes. The qualitative analysis has been done via thematical classification and coding, and by applying ethnographical methods to content analysis. The findings about the use of smart homes are described in relation to the different phases of use. The experiences of living in a smart home are described in relation to living in a traditional home while placing the comparison to a larger context of home. Results and findings. According to the results, the implementation of smart home solutions is primarily a hobby for people interested about the subject. Smart home solutions are implemented primarily to address a singular and specific need. Adapting a solution to use calls for functionality, usability, and acceptable price level from the smart home products. Typical problems in a smart home are challenges related to functionality and maintenance. The functions of a smart home can be seen mainly corresponding to those of a traditional home, but some functions have traits present in service accommodations. In general, smart homes meet the requirements imposed on them and the needs of their inhabitants.