Usage and impact of the internet-of-things-based smart home technology: a quality-of-life perspective

The aim of this paper is to explore the usage and impact of the Internet-of-Things-based Smart Home Technology (IoT-SHT) in Malaysia. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with a total of eleven IoT-SHT users who had a minimum of 2-year usage experience. The semi-structured interview consisted of six questions which were compartmentalised into two sections. Common themes were identified through constant comparison of the inductive data in the coding process. The in-depth interview uncovered six uses of IoT-SHT. Mainly, it was used for real-time remote control, surveillance, sensing, home automation, entertainment, and family communication. It seems clear that the IoT-SHT helped people to save time, changed their lives, improved security, safety, environment condition, fun, convenience, and comfort within the home ground. It also facilitated better health tracking, family care, and energy conservation. Psychologically, the IoT-SHT also enhanced one’s image, offered better companionship, and improved the sense of belongingness, and closeness within the family. This study fills the research gap by providing insights into how the IoT-SHT was used, thereby benefiting users in Malaysia. With the arrival of industrial revolution 4.0, a comprehensive knowledge on the usage of IoT is pertinent. The findings of this study may also serve as a foundation for future research in IoT-SHT adoption. Practically, this study accelerates IoT-SHT diffusion by providing insights to vendors in designing better IoT products and services, based on the popular usages and impactful benefits. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10209-022-00937-0.