Smart Lock

PROJECT ROLE

Project Leader [Agency Side]

Lead Designer, Researcher & Design Engineer

AWARDS

Red Dot Design Award 2021

PRESS

IFA 2022

RETROFITTABLE IOT LOCK FOR EUROPE

The smart door lock, which also includes a bell function, protects the front door and integrates perfectly into modern environments thanks to its compact, slim design and high-quality materials.

Installation is simple: it can be attached to the existing lock without having to drill holes. It is unlocked via fingerprint, password, proximity cards or EZVIZ app. An LED is embedded in the touchpad for smooth interaction and convenient use.

DL01S & DL01CP-BT

< RESEARCH IN THE NETHERLANDS & GERMANY

I conducted primary research across multiple countries in Europe & Latin America - this task was made more challenging due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, meaning that research had to be conducted remotley.

< RESEARCH IN LATIN AMERICA & BRITAIN

RESEARCH PHASE

MARKET RESEARCH & COMPETITOR TEARDOWNS

In order to understand and learn from existing products on the market, various types of smart lock were purchased and analysised.

These sample products were disassembled and reassembled, this process giving insight into the different ways in which they work and the types of components needed, helping to inform our mechanical concepts.

2. INSTALLATION

Europe: Installed by the user themselves, as locks are designed to be easily to install on existing locks & doors. Latin America: Many of the products show installation instructions that often require specialist tools and drilling equipment, it is therefore likely that professional installers are often the ones installing the product rather than the user. Users may find a product compatible with their existing door / lock that will enable them to install the product themselves.

4. GENERAL USE

Europe: Users primary use their smart phones to unlock their doors, and if are one of many who have a WiFismart lock they can remotely control their door. Many users use additional modules add functions their door, such as a keypad or remote control or WiFiSmart home connectivity. Some locks can work in tandem with other products, such as smart door bells. Latin America: The majority of products are not remotely, with the primary control methods via keypad, RFID or biometrics.

6. EMERGENCY

Europe: Most leading European smart locks leave the outside keyhole unobstructed, meaning, in an emergency (such as product failure or battery running out) users can still open the door with their traditional key. Latin America: There is a mixture of emergency entry methods, some products offer access to the keyhole so traditional keys can be used if the product runs out of battery or fails Alternatively, a micro USB port can often be found on the front of the products, than enable to user to supply power to the product from the outside if the product has ran out of battery.

1. PURCHASE

Europe: Primarily via online retailers (Amazon.de, Bol.com, Amazon.co.uk etc.) Secondary Purchase Location is Hardware Stores. Latin America: Purchased via a mix of online general retailers (amazon.com.br etc.) as well as locksmiths and hardware stores (e.g. lehome.com.br)

3. SET-UP

Europe: Product is set up using an app that connects to the smart lock and runs you through the set up. Companies release supporting YouTube videos to support users in setting up their locks. Latin America: Many products are set up using a paper instruction manual that comes with the product as many of the products do not have accompanying apps Companies release supporting YouTube videos to support users in setting up their locks.

5. POWERING

Europe: Most products use replaceable AA batteries and advertise a battery lifespan of around one year between changes. Latin America: Most products use replaceable AA (or AAA) batteries and advertise a battery lifespan of around one year between changes.