From Integrated to Intelligent: A Typological Exploration of Global Smart Home Cases and User Needs

Abstract

This study addresses a critical research gap in smart home literature by providing a comprehensive typological analysis of global implementations. Utilising a multiple case study methodology with purposive sampling across six dimensions (target users, technology focus, implementation scale, intended purpose, geographical location, and user status), we systematically examined diverse smart home applications. Data collection followed a structured four-phase process incorporating academic databases, industry reports, technology publications, and manufacturer repositories. Through rigorous cross-case analysis, we developed a novel typological framework categorising smart homes as Integrated, Supportive, Defensive, Lifestyle, Efficient, and Intelligent. Our findings reveal that smart homes are non-monolithic, with most implementations embodying multiple typological categories simultaneously. The analysis demonstrates how technologies adapt to specific user needs—from security systems for vulnerable households to health monitoring for elderly residents and efficiency features for environmentally conscious users. Geographical patterns emerged, with European implementations emphasising healthcare applications while North American cases focus more on lifestyle enhancements. This typological framework enables a structured understanding of smart home complexity and provides valuable insights into technological integration trends. The research advances smart home scholarship beyond isolated technological examinations toward a comprehensive understanding of how these systems address diverse human needs across global contexts, offering significant implications for researchers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers navigating this rapidly evolving field.