The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of physical objects—devices, appliances, and more—containing components that enable them to collect and exchange data over the Internet and interact with each other and central systems. Designers take a holistic mindset to craft IoT experiences that bridge the digital and physical worlds for users.
The Internet of Things expands the role of UX (user experience) design far beyond screen-based technology. Modern users live in a truly “smart” world, one where physical devices—from thermostats to vehicles and beyond—sense, communicate, and act. Rather than design solely for desktops, tablets, or phones, IoT UX designers must create interactions that span sensors, voice interfaces, wearables, environmental controls, and more. These interactions often happen without a visible UI (user interface). So, designers must consider context, automation, and the entire system of connected devices. It’s about thinking outside “traditional” UX practices and accommodating a sophisticated system of interconnectedness.
Good IoT design is important because it reshapes the expectations users bring to the interactions they have with devices, systems, and more. In terms of the Internet of Things, users expect devices and systems to:
Communicate effortlessly.
Anticipate their needs.
Protect their personal data.
Thoughtful UX design means that connected products must empower users rather than overwhelm them. And thoughtful UX designers help users embrace helpful technology without anxiety about security and safety. Designers must think ahead to the many possibilities of what can happen behind the scenes.
For example, a user who adjusts their home heating system from a smartphone should not have to worry about what might happen if their phone screen freezes after they have accidentally clicked a button to raise the temperature many times. For that, an empathic grasp of user behavior and user needs goes a long way toward creating design solutions users can trust.
This example shows how, despite advances in technology, the deep, human-centered skills we all have, like empathy, are what lead to designs that users love. Watch our video to understand how empathy for your users serves them, your brand, and you as a designer:
Designers who understand the structure of the Internet of Things can anticipate user needs and constraints better. A typical IoT system consists of four core elements:
Devices/Sensors: Physical objects with embedded technology like sensors capture environmental data such as temperature, motion, or location.
Connectivity: Devices transmit and receive data through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, or mesh networks.
Data processing: Cloud-based or edge computing systems analyze the data.
User interaction: Users receive feedback or control devices through apps, voice commands, or automated triggers.
For example, a smart lighting system detects motion, communicates with a home network, processes occupancy patterns, and automatically adjusts lighting. The user might control preferences through an app or rely on automatic behavior based on learned patterns.
Designers who create digital solutions and other products and integrate them well with the IoT offer numerous advantages to users, brands, and other organizations (including governments):
Efficiency: Automation reduces manual tasks, saving time and resources.
Data-driven decisions: Real-time data collection enables informed decision-making.
Cost savings: Predictive maintenance and optimized operations lower expenses.
Enhanced user experience: Personalized services improve satisfaction and engagement.
IoT technology permeates various sectors of the human world, enhancing operations and user experiences, and is well and truly part of modern living:
Smart Homes
The IoT enables homeowners to automate and control devices remotely. Smart lighting systems adjust brightness based on occupancy, while smart locks provide keyless entry and monitor access. Voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant integrate multiple devices, so users can manage their homes through voice commands no matter the distance.
Healthcare
In the medical field, IoT devices monitor patient vitals in real-time, making proactive care easier. Wearable devices track heart rate, sleep patterns, and physical activity—and transmit data to healthcare providers for analysis. Remote monitoring reduces hospital visits and enables timely interventions when needs arise.
Agriculture
Farmers tap into the IoT for precision agriculture. Soil moisture sensors inform irrigation systems to optimize water usage, while drones with cameras assess crop health. These technologies come together to increase yield and reduce resource consumption.
Smart agriculture at work—symbolizing a fascinating dimension of IoT; how devices and nature stand side by side to bring the best results. Here, sensors monitor vital factors, such as solar radiation, temperature, humidity, and soil temperature and moisture.
© Pycno, Fair Use
Like many technological advancements, the designs of IoT solutions demand careful thought to ensure brands don’t overlook vital factors, especially relating to users’ privacy and safety. Poorly designed IoT experiences can lead to frustration, confusion, or even danger when security vulnerabilities arise.
To accommodate the IoT in design, consider specific challenges that differ from traditional UX design—they include:
1. Contextual Complexity
Unlike a smartphone app that operates within predictable contexts, IoT devices interact with dynamic environments. A smart thermostat must adapt to fluctuating temperatures, household schedules, and energy pricing.
Map all environmental variables that could influence device behavior.
Conduct field studies to understand real-world use conditions. From your findings, design flexible systems that adapt gracefully to changing contexts.
2. Invisible Interactions
Many IoT interactions occur without explicit user input—they’re “alive” in the sense they can decide and act. Devices may act autonomously based on sensor data, which blurs the line between human and machine control.
Use clear feedback mechanisms, such as notifications or subtle physical cues—such as lights or sounds—to inform users about device actions.
Give users accessible controls to override automated behaviors. Let them be able to take over from the machines.
3. Security and Privacy
IoT systems collect vast amounts of sensitive data. Poor security design can expose users to hacking, identity theft, or physical risks—for example, hacked smart locks. As systems become increasingly sophisticated, new risks emerge. Nefarious individuals, malfunctioning systems, and other threats may exploit vulnerabilities or “loopholes.” These risks can cause harm either through deliberate malicious actions or through the brand’s failure to effectively safeguard and support its users and customers.
Integrate security and privacy into the UX from the start. Use encryption, authentication, and clear privacy settings. Communicate data collection practices transparently and give users control over their information.
Ecobee’s Smart Thermostat doubles as a base station and keypad for home security.
© Ecobee, Fair Use
4. Connectivity Issues
IoT devices often depend on uninterrupted network access. Failures in connectivity can disrupt functionality in critical ways. For example, consider a new design for a smart lock and what might happen during a power outage. If the designer hasn’t designed the smart lock to fail-closed (remain locked) or allow manual override for safety, this could result in an unfortunate customer becoming the victim of an opportunistic burglar when the power is out.
Design for graceful degradation. Ensure devices retain basic functionality offline or can reconnect seamlessly.
Provide clear guidance when connectivity issues arise.
5. Interoperability
Many IoT ecosystems involve devices from different manufacturers. Lack of standardization can frustrate users when devices fail to work together.
Follow open standards where possible.
Clearly communicate compatibility requirements.
Design modular systems that allow incremental upgrades without full replacement.
Smart lighting—a key aspect of safety and convenience in the modern age—takes such forms as street lighting. For example, from a network of IoT streetlights, authorities can monitor factors such as bulbs that need changing, vandalism, and other areas that can affect public wellbeing and safety.
© Remy Marcotorchino, Fair Use
On IoT projects, these are some general guidelines and best practices to help you optimize what you create for your solution’s—and brand’s—users:
Good user research forms the foundation designers build upon. User research becomes even more critical in IoT projects because of the complexity and diversity of twenty-first-century interactions. Effective research strategies include:
Contextual inquiry: Observe users in their natural environments to understand how IoT devices fit into daily routines.
Journey mapping: Map the full user journey across devices, touchpoints, and platforms.
By grounding IoT designs in real-world insights, UX researchers and designers ensure that systems meet genuine needs rather than hypothetical ones.
Watch as William Hudson, User Experience Strategist and Founder of Syntagm Ltd, explains important points about how to make user research work for you.
IoT interactions often involve multiple devices, services, and stakeholders. For example, a smart fridge might communicate with grocery stores, recipe apps, and energy management systems.
Design for ecosystems, not isolated devices. Visualize the full system architecture and identify user touchpoints across the ecosystem.
IoT systems can become complex—quickly. If a system overwhelms users with endless configuration options or ambiguous automation, they may well abandon it.
Offer simple, intuitive interfaces. Default settings should serve common use cases while allowing customization for advanced users.
Trust plays a central role in IoT adoption. Users must believe that devices will perform reliably, safeguard data, and respect autonomy.
Provide clear communication about system behavior, data practices, and security measures. Enable users to monitor and control device operations easily.
In IoT, failures can occur at many levels—device, network, data processing, or user interface.
Plan for failure modes—an “if something can go wrong, it will” mindset can help you string a safety net beneath your users and your brand. Design recovery workflows that minimize user disruption. Offer clear troubleshooting steps and support channels.
Some IoT devices lack screens—so comes a need to explore alternative input and feedback methods, such as voice, gestures, or ambient signals (for example, LEDs or vibrations).
Match input methods to context and user capabilities. Provide redundant feedback where possible to ensure accessibility. It’s better to be redundant than miss the mark and risk a system failure. Users have many needs—including users with disabilities—which demands a heightened sense of catering to all users in design for IoT products and systems.
Consider the many aspects of warehouse operations, including stock levels, employee safety, and loading of products—and how IoT design solutions can optimize them.
© Rishabh Software, Fair Use
As the Internet of Things matures, new UX challenges and opportunities will emerge—particularly:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration: Smarter algorithms will enable devices to predict user needs, so designers must balance helpfulness with user autonomy.
Edge computing: Solutions that process data locally on devices reduce latency and enhance privacy but introduce new design constraints.
Sustainability: Energy-efficient durable IoT products become crucial as device proliferation impacts the environment. The complex and delicate nature of the planet is a fitting example to speak to why designers must consider everything to be a system—or part of one—and design with a careful eye for potential consequences.
UX designers and other professionals in the IoT field will need to stay agile. They must learn new skills and adapt methods to keep up with developments as user expectations—as well as needs, behaviors, and concerns—grow with technological advancements. As the world increasingly relies on AI, designers have an added area of responsibility (and opportunity) to ensure they cover all possible angles to delight users with thoughtfully designed products. Some of these might become household names.
Watch as Ioana Teleanu, Senior Product Designer, UiPath; Founder, UX Goodies explains how AI is changing the world.
Overall, “trust” may be the core watchword for designing for the Internet of Things. Whether they realize it or they don’t, users of all types entrust numerous aspects of their everyday lives to brands who promise them solutions for managing their lives and living well. IoT designers must justify their users’ faith and deliver on—and ideally exceed—their expectations.
When designers prioritize user needs, anticipate challenges, and embrace the complexity of connected environments, they can create IoT products that aren’t just functional but meaningful and empowering too. A holistic mindset leads to products that not only offer seamless experiences but remove the worry from users’ minds before it can even occur to them. The future belongs to those who design for connections. Connection, another vital watchword in the human experience, demands careful consideration and design, between devices, services, and—most importantly—people.
Take a deep dive into the Internet of Things with our course AI for Designers.
Read our article, One Size Fits All? Definitely Not in Task-Oriented Design for Mobile & Ubiquitous UX for helpful insights into IoT-related design.
Explore valuable insights in this UX Design Institute article, Designing for the internet of things (IoT): UX challenges and solutions.
Discover further important considerations in this UXmatters article, Designing for the Internet of Things (IoT).
Find additional helpful information in this Very article, UX Design for IoT: Mapping the Customer Journey.
The Internet of Things (IoT) means everyday objects connect to the Internet to share data and work smarter. These “things” can be anything: fridges, thermostats, cars, or even toothbrushes. They have sensors that collect data and send it to other devices or cloud systems, helping them react to real-world conditions automatically.
For example, a smart thermostat learns your habits and adjusts the temperature without being told. A fitness tracker monitors your steps and sleep and then syncs that information to your phone. The key idea is that connected devices talk to each other and make life easier without needing constant human input.
In their billions, the growing network of IoT devices helps improve homes, cities, and industries by turning simple tools into responsive, data-driven systems.
Take a deep dive into the Internet of Things with our course AI for Designers.
Designing for IoT differs from web or mobile because IoT devices interact with the physical world, often without screens and often “behind the scenes” (i.e. users might not be aware of the workings). Designers must think beyond visual interfaces and consider things like sensors, voice input, and automation. A smart lightbulb, for instance, doesn’t need a screen, but it must still be intuitive to use.
IoT design also involves more variables. Devices connect across networks, respond to real-world changes, and work with other products. That creates complexity in usability, security, and reliability. Unlike web or mobile, IoT often runs on limited hardware with tight power and memory constraints.
Designers must ensure the experience feels seamless, even when part of it happens invisibly. A user might tap an app, speak a command, or simply walk into a room to trigger a response. That level of subtlety makes IoT design more system-wide and behavior-driven.
Take a deep dive into the Internet of Things with our course AI for Designers.
IoT devices include any product that connects to the internet and shares data to work more intelligently. Common examples are smart home gadgets like thermostats, lights, and doorbells. These devices adjust settings or send alerts based on your habits or environment. Wearables, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, also count. They monitor things like steps, heart rate, or sleep and sync data to apps.
In industries, IoT includes machines that report maintenance needs or track performance in real time. Smart cars, connected refrigerators, voice assistants, and even internet-linked toothbrushes all qualify. What they share is connectivity, sensors, and the ability to act on data.
The key point is, if a product connects to the internet, collects data, and responds to it, it’s part of the Internet of Things.
Take a deep dive into the Internet of Things with our course AI for Designers.
To do user research for IoT devices, observe real-life use in real-life settings. Since IoT products often blend into daily routines, lab testing alone won’t reveal how people interact with them. The Internet of Things involves networks of interconnected devices operating to improve lives, so naturally much of the data to discover will be intricate and rich. Use techniques like field studies, home visits, and diary studies to capture authentic behavior. Ask participants to show how they use devices across time—not just in a single moment.
Tools like cultural probes or video diaries let users document interactions, frustrations, and workarounds over days or weeks. These insights will help uncover hidden needs and contexts.
Also, test the full ecosystem, not just the device. Include mobile apps, voice assistants, or other linked tools. Interview users about their trust, privacy concerns, and what happens when something fails. With more sophisticated design comes a need for greater focus on what can go wrong and what might be exposed.
IoT research isn’t just about usability—it’s about understanding daily habits, invisible interactions, and expectations users may not say out loud.
Take a deep dive into the Internet of Things with our course AI for Designers.
UX designers working on IoT projects need a mix of technical understanding, systems thinking, and empathy. First, they must grasp how sensors, connectivity, and data flows work—even if they’re not engineers. That knowledge helps them design interfaces and feedback for devices that may not have screens.
Systems thinking is essential. IoT products rarely stand alone; they interact with apps, cloud services, and other devices. Designers must map how each part affects the user experience. They also need to design for edge cases like connection loss or data delays.
Empathy plays a big role. Since many interactions are invisible or automatic, designers must anticipate user needs and emotions without direct input. They should also understand privacy, security, and trust from the user’s perspective.
Add in skills like prototyping for hardware, user research in real-world settings, and data visualization, and you’ve got the “UX toolkit” for IoT.
Watch our video about empathy to understand more about why it’s vital in design:
Enjoy our AI-Powered UX Design: How to Elevate Your UX Career Master Class with Ioana Teleanu, Senior Product Designer, UiPath; Founder, UX Goodies
When designing for IoT, prioritize privacy from the start. These devices collect sensitive data, like your location, habits, or even health details, and they often do it passively. Users might not always know what’s being tracked or when, which creates serious trust risks. A good analogy may be to think of a heavily surveilled society where people don’t have a choice—now think of a society you want to design for and live in, too.
Make data collection transparent. Let users know what’s gathered, why it’s needed, and how it’s stored. Offer clear choices about turning tracking on or off. Also, don’t collect more data than necessary. If a smart light doesn’t need voice input, don’t include it.
Another key issue is data sharing. IoT devices often send information to third-party services or apps. Make those relationships clear and give users control. Also, plan for security—a serious matter, as weak points in connected devices can expose entire networks.
Take a deep dive into the Internet of Things with our course AI for Designers.
The biggest UX challenges in IoT design come from complexity, invisibility, and context.
IoT systems are inherently complex because they involve networks of interconnected devices, platforms, and services. Each device might come from a different manufacturer, follow a different protocol, or use a different interface. Designers must orchestrate these into a unified experience—one where users don’t feel overwhelmed by the technical layers. For instance, setting up a smart home system involves integrating thermostats, lights, cameras, and door locks—each with unique settings and failure points. The user experience suffers when there's inconsistency in design logic, control schemes, or feedback mechanisms.
Many IoT devices operate without a screen or direct interface, making their functionality invisible. Users can’t always tell if a device received a command, encountered an error, or completed a task. This "black box" behavior erodes trust. For example, a smart plug might turn off a lamp but give no indication of its current status. Designers must proactively communicate system state through sound, light, or companion apps to reduce uncertainty.
IoT devices must interpret a user's context—location, time, habits, and even emotions—to deliver relevant responses. But misinterpreting this context can lead to failures. A smart assistant might lower the lights at night, assuming it’s bedtime, while the user is reading. Designers must build flexible systems that adapt to nuanced, shifting user needs without making assumptions.
Another challenge is fragmentation. Users often juggle devices from different brands that don’t talk to each other smoothly. Designers must create systems that feel cohesive, even across ecosystems. Privacy and trust are massive challenges too. IoT devices collect sensitive data, so designers must clearly communicate what’s being tracked and why.
Good IoT design demands predicting needs, reducing confusion, and creating feedback, even when no screen is involved.
Take a deep dive into the Internet of Things with our course AI for Designers.
Stanton, D., & Smith, C. (2019). Experience-driven engineering in IoT: The importance of user experience for developing connected products people love. AIS Transactions on Human-Computer Interaction, 11(4), 232–243.
This article emphasizes the critical role of user experience (UX) in the development of Internet of Things (IoT) products. Stanton and Smith argue that successful IoT solutions must go beyond technical functionality to deliver meaningful and engaging user experiences. They introduce experience-driven engineering principles, advocating for a human-centered design approach that integrates UX considerations throughout the development process. The authors provide frameworks and recommendations to guide designers and engineers in creating IoT products that resonate with users, ultimately enhancing adoption and satisfaction. This work is influential in highlighting the necessity of prioritizing UX in the rapidly evolving IoT landscape.
Hacid, H., Al-Shamaileh, O., & Maamar, Z. (2023). An exploratory study of rethinking user experience in the Internet of Things. Computing, 105(1), 1–12.
In this exploratory study, the authors examine the unique challenges and opportunities associated with user experience (UX) in the context of the Internet of Things (IoT). They argue that traditional UX models are insufficient for IoT applications due to the complexity and ubiquity of connected devices. The paper proposes a reimagined UX framework that accounts for the dynamic and context-aware nature of IoT systems. By addressing factors such as user trust, privacy, and seamless interaction across devices, the study provides valuable insights for designing user-centric IoT solutions. This research is significant for its contribution to evolving UX methodologies tailored to the IoT domain.
Xu, H., Wei, W., Wu, C., & Pan, Y. (2023). Positive experience design strategies for IoT products to improve user sustainable well-being. Sustainability, 15(17), Article 13071.
This study by Xu, Wei, Wu, and Pan investigates how positive experience design can be applied to Internet of Things (IoT) products to support users’ long-term well-being. Drawing from positive psychology, the authors propose 15 design strategies focused on enhancing emotional satisfaction, such as autonomy, relatedness, and engagement. These strategies were validated through expert reviews and applied to real-world IoT scenarios. The paper stands out by shifting the UX conversation from usability to emotional enrichment and human flourishing. Its contribution lies in guiding IoT designers toward more holistic, user-centric innovations that align technology with sustainable happiness and meaningful life experiences.
Greengard, S. (2021). The Internet of Things (Revised and updated ed.). The MIT Press.
Samuel Greengard’s The Internet of Things offers a comprehensive exploration of the rapidly evolving network of connected devices, objects, and people that are transforming our daily lives and work environments. In this revised and updated edition, Greengard delves into the latest developments in IoT, illustrating how technologies like smart lightbulbs, earthquake-warning sensors, and immersive virtual reality headsets are becoming integral to modern society. He elucidates the underlying technologies that construct and manage the IoT and examines its role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, highlighting advancements in smart manufacturing, supply chain visibility, and integrated artificial intelligence. Additionally, the book addresses pressing concerns such as threats to free speech, increasing inequality, and the rise in cybercrime, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by a hyperconnected world.
Slama, D., Puhlmann, F., Morrish, J., & Bhatnagar, R. M. (2015). Enterprise IoT: Strategies and Best Practices for Connected Products and Services. O'Reilly Media.
Enterprise IoT by Dirk Slama, Frank Puhlmann, Jim Morrish, and Rishi M. Bhatnagar is a comprehensive guide that addresses the complexities of implementing Internet of Things (IoT) solutions within enterprise environments. The book introduces the Ignite | IoT Methodology, a structured framework designed to assist businesses in defining IoT strategies, preparing organizations for adoption, and executing IoT projects effectively. It encompasses illustrative case studies across various domains, including smart energy, connected vehicles, manufacturing, supply chain management, and smart cities. Additionally, it provides a detailed case study of the IIC Track & Trace testbed, exemplifying the practical application of the methodology. This resource is invaluable for professionals seeking actionable insights into IoT strategy management and project execution.
To handle latency or connectivity issues in UX design, always plan for failure and make delays visible. IoT devices often rely on unstable connections, so users need clear feedback when something lags or breaks. If users have apps that control or monitor IoT devices, show loading states, use animations, or display simple messages like “Trying to reconnect...” to reduce frustration. User trust is vital, especially with IoT matters.
Also, build fallback options. Let users retry actions, switch to manual control, or keep basic features running offline. For example, a smart lock should still open with a key or local access—even if the app fails. Imagine the potential for catastrophic consequences if fallbacks weren’t in place.
Don’t design for perfect conditions. Design for real life, where signals drop or servers go down. Buffering, error handling, and local storage all help reduce the impact. Smart thermostats, for instance, can continue adjusting temperature based on learned behavior even when offline.
Good UX prepares users, keeps them informed, and gives them alternatives when tech falters.
Take a deep dive into the Internet of Things with our course AI for Designers.
Remember, the more you learn about design, the more you make yourself valuable.
Improve your UX / UI Design skills and grow your career! Join IxDF now!
You earned your gift with a perfect score! Let us send it to you.
We've emailed your gift to name@email.com.
Improve your UX / UI Design skills and grow your career! Join IxDF now!
Here's the entire UX literature on the Internet of Things by the Interaction Design Foundation, collated in one place:
We believe in Open Access and the democratization of knowledge. Unfortunately, world-class educational materials such as this page are normally hidden behind paywalls or in expensive textbooks.
If you want this to change, , link to us, or join us to help us democratize design knowledge!
