As a user who recently migrated from Vera to SmartThings, I must say I’m overall happy with the transition. However, there’s one area that’s been on my mind: the user interface. The current UI feels a bit outdated and could use some modernization. Let me share some of my thoughts and suggestions based on my experience.
First off, the dashboard is great for a quick overview, but I’d love the ability to set a default screen. I often find myself scrolling through multiple screens just to access a specific device or group. It would be fantastic if I could customize my experience by setting a default view that aligns with my daily routines.
Another thing I’ve noticed is the icons and their customization. I’ve spent a lot of time trying to set up custom icon names for my devices, but it feels like a workaround. I’d appreciate if the interface allowed these customizations by default, without needing to shake the phone or perform additional gestures. It’s a minor inconvenience, but it adds up over time.
Navigation is another area that could use some work. For example, accessing a dimmer for a dimmable device requires digging through multiple screens. Simplifying this process would make the interface more intuitive and user-friendly. Additionally, the ability to group devices and control them from a single icon would streamline my daily interactions with the system.
I also noticed that the spacing between icons takes up a lot of screen real estate. With just five switches, I end up scrolling on my iPhone, which feels unnecessary. Optimizing the layout could make the interface more efficient and visually appealing.
On a positive note, I’ve been impressed with how SmartThings integrates with other devices and services. The ecosystem is robust, and the potential for customization is vast. I’m hopeful that with some UI improvements, the experience could be even better.
I’d love to hear from others—what features or improvements would you like to see in the SmartThings UI? Let’s discuss and maybe even brainstorm some solutions together!