Smart Home App Development: How to Make a Home Automation App

Market Growth

• The estimated revenue in the Smart Home market has grown over $115.70 bn in 2022.
• The expected growth rate in revenue for 2026 is 13.97% resulting in a market increase of $195.20 bn.
• As far as households are concerned, the growth of users will be at least 573.7m by 2026.
• The expected revenue per installed Smart Home is of $375.80

Revenue Comparison from 2022-2026

As the IoT has developed to make a home more comfortable, the estimation for revenue growth is that by 2026 Smart home app development will rise.

The chart above shows the revenue growth for smart home app development that is estimated to grow in the upcoming years.

Smart Hub

In short terms, a hub is a network device which connects different network nodes. As the controlling center inside a smart house, the hub works as a linking device that connects all of the other gadgets amongst each other.

Smart Devices

Also known as sensors are the real engine of the home automation system. They are low-power devices used to complete the home automation commands. Since sensors have a low memory capacity the hub will receive and manage the information received from the sensors. The hub then sends a message to the app giving a command.

Actuators

Actuators are intelligent appliances that respond to commands from the hub. So, actuators will respond to the message from the hub by changing their states. Some of the IoT devices that use actuators are Smartwatches, TVs, voice assistants, etc.

1. Energy efficiency

Most of the energy-focused smart home apps provide users with extensive control over their energy use by measuring the usage allowing them to manage energy-consuming appliances remotely or automatically. These apps allow homeowners to identify waste and notify users of potential energy-saving options.

• Honeywell and Nest: These two apps are smart thermostat applications for particular locations at home. Through your mobile devices and their apps you can tell the thermostat to regulate temperatures for when you’re either at home or out.
• CodeGreen Energy: This app works very well when the user is trying to manage large buildings, although it can work well in residential properties too.
• JouleBug: Compatible with iOS and Android, this app allows users to accumulate badges and points when applying good practices to lower energy consumption.

2. Security

Many of the Smart Home devices offer various home security features. These apps will allow users to watch over their homes even when far away. Security systems also come with alarms that warn homeowners in the event of a threat and are activated by a signal from a remote control or app.

• ADT: The ADT system allows you to control the security of your home from anywhere. This application brings the ease and functionality of the ADT command platform that is a download away. ADT allows you to control your alarm system, which allows you to arm or disarm your system and get alerts thanks to the sensors. Additionally, it also gives you access to live videos from any security cameras.
• Vivint: It is an integrated system that gives you access to control the security of your home. Vivint enables you to have access to controlling alarms. It also allows remote access to lights, cameras and door locks.
• SimpliSafe: This app is compatible with Google Assistant. It allows homeowners to control their home security from almost anywhere on any device. It enables and disables alarm systems, sends out immediate alerts and gives access in real-time. It also allows users to see and record live footage of their homes.

3. Communication and entertainment

The automation of home entertainment systems is one of the most requested out of all of the features. Smart systems help manage television, soundbar, and even a projector.

• Amazon Alexa: It is Amazon’s cloud-based application that is used to create Alexa Skills and devices and is also used to develop Enterprise solutions. With the Alexa app users can use voice commands to manage content and other control features compatible with TVs, audio systems and other devices in general.
• Google Assistant: This app, similar to the Alexa assistant works with voice control and it manages different content access. Google Assistant is also capable of operating in different hubs and devices. Some devices include lights, switches, locks, cameras and temperature systems.
• DirectTV: The best feature for DirectTV is that it enables voice control. By using the remote control in the app it is possible to do several things like turn portables on, like an iPad, a portable tv, etc.

4. Lighting

• Philips Hue: A range of lights, sensors and switches that help homeowners light your home in a smarter way. Philips Hue smart lights are bluetooth-enabled and can be controlled with its own app.

5. Combinations

• Google Home: Works as an app that allows control of most of the smart home devices connected to the hub. This includes entertainment devices and other smart products that are compatible with the application.
• SmartThings: Provides home automation services to homeowners that want to manage connected devices easily. One advantage of this app is that it works on Apple devices with a high rating on both App and Google Play Stores.

1. Select the correct solution

Engineers have two options when creating home automation systems:

• Develop a solution that works only with one or a few connected devices for faster and cheaper development
• Create a system that enables users to control a wider range of devices from different manufacturers improving user experience and a more enhanced functionality.

2. Define a development strategy

Same as the first step, it is possible to choose between two options:

• Choose a pre-existing: use a pre-existing platform on the IoT market, but customizing it to your unique needs.
• Choose a unique solution: Engineers can come up with their own solutions and build them from scratch.

3. Create user scenarios

This step deals with user experience best practices as it means that developers will come up with different scenarios, which will help determine the necessary features for the application.

Additionally, we will share a list of other steps that may be used to create a smart home mobile app.

4. Research and Discovery phase

This first step is recommended to achieve a successful app. Smart home Developers must pay attention to the architectural risks when coding. There has to be a deep analysis of the product objectives, features, necessary and desired functionality, limitations, the expected manner of use, number of uses, security considerations, risks evaluation, etc.

5. Define the App’s Purpose and Features

It is important to define the precise features that a smart home software will offer and the purpose it will serve. This part is essential as it is about deciding which features the developer working on the application should be included.

6. Conduct Market Search

Check out the market for active applications right now. Assess the benefits and drawbacks of other smart home apps already available on the market, review user feedback and learn from it. Consider your options for setting your product apart from those of competitors.

7. Define Your Hardware Components

If your solution requires a custom hardware device (e.g. a microprocessor, a set of sensors, batter, etc.), work with an experienced hardware designer to create a product capable of fulfilling your goals. Many hardware vendors offer support during the manufacturing process, hardware testing, etc.

8. Choose connectivity methods

The application should be able to connect the three main components needed for it to run correctly. The hub, the sensors and the actuators should be able to connect with ease. So, establishing a smooth connection between these three components is the core goal of a smart home app.

The two main methods of connectivity are as follows:

• Wi-Fi: Most devices are compatible with WiFi connectivity. Although it may present some speed issues as it all depends on the provider. For that reason, WiFi usage is limited on a few devices only.
• Bluetooth: The advantage of the bluetooth is that it is low energy, therefore it is easier to connect with most devices at home. The only problem that this method may face is that it will not always work with heavy-weight apps.

9. Choose the App Platforms

On the IoT market, there are many pre-built platforms available for smart home software developers. Your user interface can either be completely custom, in-built, or available for desktop, iOS or Android operating systems, for example. Define the set of features needed for the application (e.g. onboarding, device configuration, security measures set and system of notifications, analytics, etc.) Think about the admin side of your product. Who will have to conduct the analytics of device usage, analyze the data from sensors, etc? Will you need a different piece of software to do it or will it be included in the original app?

10. Set up devices

Smart home automation works on most homes so it is important to come up with a list of devices that are compatible with the app. Users must have different options when connecting their home and everything in it to the internet.

11. Decide on Data Storage Type

Management of data is crucial when working with IoT initiatives. Developers in this case have two options. To either use a local storage, or use a cloud infrastructure, for example Amazon’s AWS cloud storage. Waverley has experience setting up reliable and cost-efficient cloud infrastructure for IoT and Smart Home devices, so we can easily consult you on the best options.

12. Design the User Interface

Designing an app is no easy task. Developers need to come up with a clever and fashionable design when building a smart home application. As a developer you should create a customized user experience that will meet the needs of the users. Additionally, it is essential to consider the type of data that will be used and how it will appear on the screen. The easier it is to use and understand the application the more users it will have.

13. Develop the App

You can start building the application. Make the program and thoroughly test the usability, security and functionality. The development of the app that smart home owners will use is the main emphasis of this stage for engineers.

14. Integrate with Smart Home Devices

Smart home devices need to be linked to the app in order to be managed through the app’s user interface. This step is very important because it gives users more control over their home systems and makes it simpler to handle and monitor their devices. Perform diligent integration, compatibility testing to make sure your connection is stable and reliable.

15. QA & QC

Both QA and QC are essential procedures in the creation of smart houses because they guarantee an app meets the necessary quail standards. By establishing quality standards and functional testing, these two procedures aid in the creation of apps.

16. Launch the App

It’s time to launch the application once the entire development process is finished and the appropriate testing is concluded. The application needs to be made available on the relevant app stores. Additionally, it ought to be advertised through social media and other marketing channels to gain traction and attract its first users.

17. Gather User Feedback

Getting customer feedback is essential when developing software for smarthomes. It provides developers with knowledge about how users interact with the program. The features of the application will be improved by incorporating the input, and doing so will enable developers to make the appropriate enhancements.

18. Improve and Evolve

The software needs to be updated frequently to take into account new hardware and operating systems as well as to fix any potential bug problems. You might also need to add new features or capabilities to keep your advantage in the market for smart homes.

19. Security Policy

And last but not least, security. Smart homes tend to be vulnerable to cyber attacks by hackers. A security issue in a smart home may cause problems for homeowners. The home’s security system is challenging, yet that is something developers need to think of at the moment of creating the app.

How to Ensure Security for a Smart Home App?

IoT devices have increased the convenience of life especially. Yet, there are still risks even with smart home automation, mostly in the cybersecurity aspect. Using internet-connected devices increases a chance for cyber thieves to access your network and other data gadgets. Protecting one’s privacy and securing all sorts of financial information from internet intruders is crucial.

As the Smart Home Automation grows so does the need to apply cybersecurity best practices. These next steps will help you protect your home and all confidential information you share on your network.

1. Multi-factor Authentication
   A person must first present two or more forms of identification in order to access a system or service, which is referred to as multi-factor authentication. MFA is used in the setting of a smart home to protect the owner’s private information and prevent unauthorized access to the systems and devices of the smart home.
2. Encrypt communication
   The router is the central hub and it connects all devices together which means the network has to be encrypted and saved from the outside world. To ensure that the communication between devices is encrypted, you can use a method like WPA2 that keeps all communication secure.
3. Data Privacy
   Besides communication, keeping all information safe is important. Therefore, it is important to ensure that user data is kept private and protected. This entails restricting access to confidential data, and offering transparent privacy policies.
4. Secure Server Infrastructure
   The server architecture is a further factor in a smart home’s security. Smart home owners must make sure that the server infrastructure is safe and shielded from intrusion. Implementing firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other security steps falls under this category.
5. Penetration Testing
   In order to find vulnerabilities and ensure the security of its infrastructure, house owners must also perform routine penetration testing. This will assist in finding security vulnerabilities and fixing them before hackers can get ahold of them.
6. Compliance with Standards
   One last step to make sure that the smart home is completely secure. It is essential to ensure that the application complies with industry security standards, like ISO 27001 or the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.

What Affects the Cost of Smart Home App Development?

The price of a Smart home automation app development may vary depending on different factors. This next section will explain some of the items that affect the cost to make a smart home app.

Hourly rates

In general terms, the cost to build a smart home system depends on the desired features of the app. Prices can range from $15,000 to $500,000 and higher to develop an app. If a client is looking for sophisticated features in the app, then the cost will always be higher. Nonetheless, when focusing more on the individual, it is possible to look into the pricing rates per engineer, per hour.

This one is one of the most important factors that will impact the price of Smart Home App development. The hourly rate pay for app developers goes from somewhere between $25 to $150 per hour. It obviously depends on the type of developer, their location, and the complexity of the app and the business model (freelancer, outsourcing agency or in-house engineer).

How Can Waverley Help?

Waverley Software provides smart home development services. As a custom software engineering and an IoT development company, we collaborate with IoT businesses, offering a full cycle of software development services. We can help with product strategy, software design, embedded systems development and integration, interface, testing, etc.

Regarding IoT solutions, Waverly provides the following services:

• Hardware design
• Embedded software development
• Data storage collection
• Back and frontend development
• Smart Home App Development

Waverley has worked on many different projects that included the development of Smart Home products:

• Home Automation. A development team from Waverley worked together to create a hybrid application for home automation. The application allows homeowners full management and remote monitoring of home systems like security, heating, electricity, etc. Our team also provided assistance to the client with the development of embedded software for voice communications and other security panels. Due to our vast experience in creating mobile applications, we were able to alter the architecture making UI development easier. Additionally, thanks to the emerging AngularJS framework, it was possible to keep the traditional UI elements.
• Face Recognition Software Development. Our R&D team has created a facial recognition system applying Computer Vision and Deep learning methods. A Waverley’s team of engineers developed a face detection technology that enables visitors to identify themselves as soon as they walk into a room. The project also includes an audible personalized greeting system. The project aims to develop an algorithm for Computer Vision that can be trained to recognize a human face from video footage from security cameras.
• Holu Hou Home Energy Management Tool. Waverley Software has provided software development support to a renewable energy company. Our engineering team built an AWS-supported web interface as well as Android and iOS apps based on Flutter. The platform allows users on the Hawaiian market to view their solar energy usage data (up to 12 custom reports and dashboards) and manage their solar energy panels.
• Holiday Lights Control App. Our client is an ambitious startup working in the IoT Smart Home domain. The client is creating a Smart Home solution enabling its users to control the holiday lights in a house. Waverley’s dedicated team of engineers was helping the company with embedded development based on Raspberry Pi.
• Smart Aroma Diffuser Device. The Client is working on a number of Smart Home devices aimed at improving the quality of life. They reached us when they needed software engineering help for their Smart Aroma Diffuser Device, which diffuses essential oils from the glass bottle directly into the room, without adding any water. Our engineering team worked on the application for iOS and Android that allows controlling the device: from the back-end development all the way to testing and maintenance.
• Smart Kitchen Appliances. Our client is a company designing and building commercial cooking electronics. They came to Waverley with a whole range of products they needed our help with: a Bluetooth-controlled cooking stove, smart refrigerator with remote control, an Ice Maker application. Waverley provided embedded software and mobile engineers to assist with the development of server-side and user interfaces, developed from the client’s wireframes.

Conclusion

Home automation technology has become brighter and its implementation will continue to grow. In general terms, the smart home tech market has been growing and is estimated to keep on increasing. Developing a Smart Home product is not that challenging if you have a reliable software engineering vendor by your side, who has experience in this domain and can guide you through the main steps and nuances. Waverley has been working in this space for years, helping deliver multiple Smart Home products that users across the world use and love. For more information please contact us using the form below.