The Home Control System (HCS) was designed to provide seamless control over AV and smart home technologies in a luxury residence. While visually stunning, the original interface suffered from poor usability. Low-contrast design made it difficult to use in bright sunlight, and common tasks—such as adjusting temperature or launching a favorite app—required multiple steps, creating frustration for staff and residents. Additionally, the software lacked key integrations, making certain features unavailable at the time.
The client, initially considering eliminating the software entirely, needed a solution that streamlined control, improved usability, and introduced modern integrations without disrupting existing workflows.
As both the Product Manager and UX Designer, I led the initiative to overhaul the system by:
Conducting user research with real estate managers, waitstaff, and the AV team to understand pain points.
Developing audience personas to ensure the redesign met the needs of various user groups, including event staff, security teams, and AV technicians.
Redesigning the interface to improve visibility, reduce unnecessary steps, and consolidate controls into a single dashboard view—a “pane of glass” approach that allowed users to adjust lighting, temperature, and music instantly.
Introducing new features such as Spotify Connect and enhanced temperature controls, expanding the system’s capabilities.
Coordinating with engineers and the AV team to ensure smooth development and implementation, working closely with the Sr. AV Systems Manager.
Immediate adoption: The new design eliminated usability barriers, leading to an immediate increase in engagement.
Client buy-in: The client, previously considering discontinuing the software, retained and expanded its use, citing the clear effort and attention put into the redesign.
Strategic future role: The system became a core component of future projects, securing its place in the broader smart home ecosystem.
Event staff wanted Sunset / Sunrise accessible on the panels. We designed several options using the rough personas and Real Estate managers feedback to find the best solution.
The transformation of the UI from a visually appealing but impractical system to an intuitive, high-contrast, and efficient control hub demonstrates the power of user-centered design in high-end technology applications.
