NEWIL & BAU
2025
How I designed a smart home feature to support the basic human need for peace of mind
The current MVP focuses on housing services and shareable spaces. To support the launch of their next generation apartments, Newil & Bau introduces a smart home functionality.
Originally designed in 2023. The concept and UI were updated and revised in late 2025 for portfolio purposes.
Role
Product Designer
Sole Designer
User Researcher
Our team
2x Product Manager
1x Product Designer
3x User Researcher
Impact
Created consistency across the design system
Improved design system documentation
Keeped value proposition simple
Increased brand value with a solution that brings peace of mind
About my role
I led the visual design as a sole product designer responsible for building the product vision and UI, updating the design system, and translating insights into a clear, accessible experience.
I also collaborated with a team of three to conduct user research, including three interviews.
PROBLEM AREA
When growth threatens simplicity
Expanding the current product version with smart home features drives growth, but risks undermining the product’s simplicity and trusted everyday experience. At Newil & Bau, the premium apartment and the mobile app together form a tightly integrated product experience.
Why the smart home feature was a necessary addition to the overall product
As Newil & Bau is currently building their next-generation premium apartments, smart building technology will be introduced, allowing residents to control their homes via a mobile app.
As a builder of high end apartments, the company is expected to deliver seamless experiences that match the high standards and expectations of its clientele and potential buyers.
Initially, I believed residents wanted more manual control in their smart home. I was wrong.
In reality, most humans just want their basic need for sense of security met, making highly automated solutions more desirable than flashy light-adjustment sliders (though they are necessary to power users).
DESIGN DECISION 01
Why I kept things boring (on purpose)
Stakeholders envisioned a dashboard-style front page that would surface 80% of the app’s functionality at a glance. But the data was clear: users are mostly interested smart home automation and clear on-off switches so a new feature didn’t justify a major shift in the first-time user experience. Instead, I opted for a front page with a minimal change.
I explored 3 possible front page options.
Keeping the front page the same
Front page with a minimal change (my choice)
Dashboard-style front page
DESIGN DECISION 02
Smart home should run quietly in the background
To preserve peace of mind, the system only lets the user know what’s truly essential, such as critical information and messages from other residents, through thoughtful notifications.
Since user research showed little interest in advanced manual controls, notifications became crucial for building trust, ensuring that users stay informed without being overwhelmed.
DESIGN DECISION 03
I designed around the partner app gap
Since smart devices can only be added via Cozify, this creates friction and possible user churn.
To reduce drop-off, I designed the partner app pop-up to feel like the next natural step through clear
pre-transition messaging.
RETROSPECTIVE
Metrics I would like to measure
Retention
I’d like to measure retention to evaluate how well users make a habit using the new smart home feature, to find out if it has enough competitive edge to the smart home giants, like Google and Apple.
Data-driven insights for future features
Feature usage and overall smart home engagement data can guide future development.