IoT needs dedicated UI/UX designers

So, here’s the inspiration behind this article. One day, my colleague updated the interface on our IoT device, Btw you can check it up its called QuePay , and for the first time, it looked… well, polished. It was a noticeable step up from the usual engineer-driven UI that seems like it was made to be operated by robots, not humans. I was intrigued. I asked, "What magic tool did you use for this?" and he said, “LGVL”(Light and Versatile Graphics Library). It is an open-source graphics library specifically designed for embedded systems. It's popular among embedded developers because it allows the creation of complex, interactive graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for devices with limited resources.-and my mind was blown.

See, I always thought embedded engineers were hand-coding every pixel and toggle, and here was my colleague building a cleaner interface with a tool meant for visual design. That got me thinking: these engineers are working with hardware, firmware, and software-all these deeply technical parts-and UI isn’t their main focus, their design skills may be, well… a little “creative.” They’re trying to make things work, not necessarily make things look good.

That day, I saw the gap. Embedded engineers might have an idea of what the UI should look like but lack the time (and often, the patience) to refine it into something truly user-friendly. And the software UI/UX world? It’s already oversaturated. But what about UI/UX designers just for IoT? We need dedicated people here, folks!

So, even though I don’t usually write articles, I felt this one had to be said. I’ve realized the need for dedicated IoT UI/UX designers who can bridge the gap between these smart devices and the everyday user. And let’s face it, we all know the pain of trying to adjust a setting on a “smart” device that feels anything but.

Why UI/UX matters in IoT

Consider this: a smart thermostat should make your life easier, right? But if the interface looks like it came from an early 90s sci-fi movie, you’ll probably just stick with a regular thermostat. A well-designed interface can actually make or break a device’s success. People will give up on a gadget that requires a degree to operate. A good UI/UX, however, can keep people excited and loyal, even if they have to set it up with a six-digit code and password in the middle of the night.

This is why IoT needs dedicated UI/UX designers who can make sure that smart devices are not only functional but also enjoyable to use.

Unique Challenges of IoT UI/UX Design

Designing for IoT isn’t the same as designing a mobile app or a website. IoT devices come with a unique set of challenges:

1. Tiny Screens, Big Demands: Ever tried to adjust a setting on a screen that’s half the size of a business card? Yeah, we all have, and we all wish we hadn’t. These devices need intuitive designs that work within very real limitations.
2. Diverse Platforms: IoT devices are all over the place, literally-they could be controlled from your phone, your desktop, or even your smart fridge (because why not). Consistency across these platforms is essential, otherwise, users end up feeling like they’re using three different devices.
3. Weird Use Cases: IoT devices are used in all sorts of environments, from kitchens to factories to high-altitude drones. A UI/UX designer for IoT must be ready to ask, “So, will users be trying to set this thing up while hanging upside down?”
4. Privacy and Security: IoT devices are magnets for sensitive data-health metrics, security footage, even location tracking. A good designer knows how to integrate security in a way that doesn’t have users tapping “I agree” 20 times just to turn on the coffee maker.

IoT UI/UX Designers Are So Rare

Most designers flock to mobile apps, web platforms, and e-commerce-places where the design tools are well-established and the road to success is clearly defined. In the IoT world, however, they’re met with constraints: tiny screens, limited processing power, and, frankly, some of the weirdest user scenarios. But that’s precisely why IoT needs dedicated UI/UX experts!

Without these specialized designers, it falls to embedded engineers to handle the interface. And while they’re brilliant at making a device function, let’s just say that making it look good isn’t always their top priority.

The Difference Dedicated IoT UI/UX Designers Can Make

When you have a designer who’s focused solely on IoT, amazing things can happen. Here’s how they make a difference:

1. Clear and Simple: A good designer knows the right balance between useful features and too many options. Nobody wants to scroll through 20 settings to turn off their smart lights.
2. Beautiful, Consistent Interfaces: Let’s be honest; we all like things that look good. An attractive, consistent interface draws people in and makes the device feel less like a complicated machine and more like something you want to use.
3. Security that Makes Sense: Dedicated IoT designers understand how to keep devices secure without driving users nuts. Say goodbye to over-complicated authentication and hello to intuitive but safe designs.

Here’s what budding designers need to keep in mind to jump into this field:

1. Learn Embedded Basics: Yes, it’s a bit more technical, but understanding how IoT devices work is key.
2. Build a Foundation: Master traditional UX principles
3. Get Hands-on: Experiment with IoT development kits e.g LVGL or
4. Study Success Stories: Analyze well-designed IoT products
5. Network: Connect with IoT companies and communities-and yes, I have to give a shoutout to Veno Autobotics right here!

The future in IoT space

The IoT industry is only going to keep growing, and that means we need UI/UX designers who can make these devices truly usable. By advocating for IoT UI/UX design as a specialty, we’re not only helping users but also paving the way for a new generation of designers who know how to turn any smart device-no matter how quirky-into something users will love.

So, if you’re a designer looking for a challenge, consider IoT. It's the wild frontier of UI/UX, where you might just help create the next breakthrough device that people didn’t even know they needed-and this time, it won’t make them want to throw it out the window.

Yeah that's it! what do you think?