Identifying Barriers for Smart Home Product via In-Person Concept Testing
- Our client was seeking to assess the usability and overall user experience of their smart thermostat, mobile application, and web portal through user testing.
- One-on-one, task-based interviews were conducted with 20 participants with no prior experience with our client's thermostat. Recruitment was targeted to match our client's target persona demographics.
- A thermostat device was installed into Phase 5’s usability lab, and participants were observed undertaking thermostat set-up and configuration using the wall-mounted devices as well as the companion mobile app and web portal.
- The study uncovered core mismatches between the interface and users’ mental models of scheduling and setting preferences, and tactical issues with labeling, iconography and product messaging.

Author: Stephan Sigaud
Stephan Sigaud, MBA, is Phase 5’s Chief Marketing Officer. Stephan is passionate about partnering with clients to address their challenges and opportunities around customer centricity. He has more than 25 years’ experience in Market Research and Customer Loyalty and Experience. A past Board Director of the Insights Association, he has also been volunteering with the Customer Experience Professionals Association (as past Chair of the CXPA Toronto Network) and the Canadian Marketing Association (as member of the Leaders Network and past co-Chair of the CMA CX Council).