Aqara - Smart Home App & UI UX Design

Logo Design

Designing the Mark

• The Aqara logotype uses geometric forms and consistent line weights to reflect smart home connectivity. The stylized “A” integrates a node to represent automation and device linking. It supports the Aqara - Smart Home App project by improving recognition, UI clarity, and brand consistency across connected interfaces.

Scope of Work

Optimizing Smart Home

• This case study outlines the process behind the Aqara - Smart Home App ui / ux. It covers key phases of UX and UI work focused on improving home security control, usability, and user engagement. The project was delivered in 11 sprints, with each stage targeting performance and conversion goals.

UX/UI Workflow Breakdown

• Research – 2 Sprints

  Defined user needs, pain points, and smart home usage patterns through competitor analysis and interviews.

• Branding – 2 Sprints

  Created a new visual identity to support brand recognition and improve user trust in home security systems.

• Visual Design – 4 Sprints

  Designed clear UI components and screens, using a system that improves navigation, retention, and interaction.

• Prototype – 3 Sprints

  Built and tested a mobile prototype focused on key user flows like setup, monitoring, and device control.

User Research

User behavior at a glance

• As part of the early UX process for the Aqara - Smart Home App example, we conducted user testing and surveys to explore usability challenges and device interaction behavior in home environments.

User Trends

• 53% – struggle with device pairing

  Poor onboarding and device pairing increases churn rate and support tickets. Simplifying connection flow boosts retention.

• 66% – don’t understand device setup

  Configuration UI lacks clarity. Redesigning settings for accessibility and layout hierarchy improves user satisfaction.

• 84% – want simple, clear interfaces

  UI/UX design directly affects engagement. Prioritizing minimal design and task-focused flows improves feature adoption.

User Persona

Behavior-based persona analysis

• We analyzed active users to identify how different profiles interact with smart home features. One of the core personas is Dianne, a 22-year-old sales manager. Her usage focuses on workflow efficiency and home safety. This aligns with typical needs from high-mobility, tech-aware users with basic familiarity in automation systems.

Goals identified

• 01 – Improve Home Security

  Most users indicated that improved security systems with real-time alerts and smart locks greatly increased their confidence in protecting their homes and loved ones.

• 02 – Remote Home Monitoring

  A majority reported that being able to monitor home activities via mobile apps provided peace of mind and quick response capabilities when away.

• 03 – Reduce Energy Waste

  Users valued automated energy management tools that helped cut unnecessary power use, reducing costs and supporting sustainability efforts.

Top User Trends

• 74% - Prioritize Energy Efficiency

  A significant majority of users show a strong interest in features that help reduce energy consumption. This highlights the growing demand for smart home solutions that promote sustainability and cost savings.

• 43% - Remote Control Priority

  Nearly half of users appreciate the ability to manage their devices remotely. This convenience plays a crucial role in enhancing their daily experience and overall satisfaction with smart home technology.

• 52% - Simple Device Control

  More than half of users value straightforward and intuitive control over their smart devices. Ease of use remains a key factor in driving engagement and long-term adoption of the Aqara system.

Problem & Solution

From Fragmented to Unified

• We simplified device control for better consistency. User testing showed that managing smart devices across different platforms caused confusion and frustration. Switching between apps reduced engagement and created gaps in the user flow.
  
  We solved this by introducing a single, consistent interface. The improved ux / ui reduced task time and increased user satisfaction by making device control easier and more accessible.

• Problem

  Users face challenges managing smart devices across multiple apps, leading to a fragmented and frustrating experience.

• Solution

  Our project offers one intuitive interface to control all devices, improving usability and consistency.

Mobile app

Personalized Dashboard

• The project focuses on delivering clear, user-friendly navigation tailored for cyclists. Interactive maps provide real-time elevation data and route details, supporting effective trip planning across urban and scenic paths. Personalized route options allow users to filter rides by distance, terrain, and time, enhancing flexibility and retention.
  
  Our app improves overall user satisfaction by simplifying navigation and providing relevant, actionable data. The UX/UI approach supports higher engagement and lowers churn by addressing core cyclist needs.

Device Controls

• Custom Operating Time

  Set device schedules to match personal routines, lowering churn by aligning with user needs.

• Environment Settings

  Our team adjust light, volume, and more with an intuitive UI to boost user satisfaction and conversion rates.

• Visual Scheduling

  We used clear, interactive time selectors to simplify routine planning and improve overall app usability.

Typography & Colors

Clear Structure and Confident Contrast

• We chose Jakarta Sans in regular and bold weights, spanning sizes from 16 to 56. This typographic system establishes a clear hierarchy across headings, subheadings, and body text, supporting readability and a structured visual flow throughout the interface.
  
  The color palette centers on white, blue, and yellow, with additional iconography to enhance navigation. White offers clarity and openness, blue brings trust and stability, while yellow serves as a functional accent to draw attention to key interactions. Together, these choices create a clean, user-focused environment that reflects both precision and approachability.

Landing page

Focused Entry Point

• A landing page structured to support fast access to essential functions like time settings, device settings, smart home widgets, and the help center. The layout emphasizes quick navigation and intuitive grouping, reducing friction for users managing home security and automation features.
  
  Each block is visually distinct yet part of a unified system, using clear icons and minimal UI to support ease of use. Key interactions are designed to improve engagement and reduce confusion, contributing to lower churn and higher retention.

Branding

Consistent Branding for Aqara

• We built a consistent visual system focused on clarity and home security. We applied the brand mark, colors, and typography to physical assets like T-shirts, mugs, cans, and printed setup guides. This improved offline visibility, supported CSR perception, and reduced churn during onboarding with clear, branded instructions.
  
  On the digital side, the same design system ensured UI consistency improving navigation and supporting retention. We also created social media templates to boost engagement and drive app traffic, maintaining a unified look that increased user satisfaction and conversion rates across all channels.

Result

Ride Experience Insights

• Our strategy centers on comprehending user behavior, focusing on intuitive control and seamless integration. We aimed to deliver a user-friendly interface, ensuring effortless management and customization of smart home devices.

Next iterations

Improving Management

• We showed solid results in user engagement and home security management. The next iteration will focus on creating a more seamless management interface to improve user control and satisfaction.
  
  Additionally, introducing a tablet version aims to increase accessibility and retention by catering to different user environments. These updates are expected to enhance conversion rates and reduce churn by simplifying the overall user experience and expanding device compatibility.