We cannot help you decide who gets the last pizza slice but we can stop the thermostat wars.
What is it?
We've created Temperature Mediator, an effective wireless thermostat system powered by ESP32 Arduino technology that improves how flatmates negotiate their ideal living temperature and helps resolve common thermostat disagreements.
How does it work?
Our system uses ESP32's ESP NOW protocol to establish a low-power wireless mesh network between multiple thermostats. This peer-to-peer communication enables fast data transmission without requiring Wi-Fi infrastructure. Each adjustment triggers real-time feedback across the network, calculating an optimal temperature that balances everyone's needs through a weighted averaging algorithm.
Who is it for?
We're targeting the massive market of shared living spaces—roommates tired of silent thermostat wars, families with temperature-sensitive members, and office environments where comfort drives productivity. Temperature Mediator solves a universal pain point that affects millions daily.
Why did research lead to this solution?
Our brief was to create a product that drives community for our imaginary client, IKEA. Our user research uncovered an important insight: while many roommate conflicts resist technological solutions, thermostat disagreements represent a quantifiable problem with measurable outcomes. We chose the ESP32 platform and ESP NOW wireless protocol for its simplicity, reliability, and low power consumption to create an affordable solution that addresses a common living space problem.
What is the value?
Temperature Mediator delivers multiple benefits: it reduces interpersonal conflicts, helps cut energy waste through optimized temperature management, and creates better transparency in resource sharing. Our system improves how people negotiate shared resources in communal spaces by making temperature preferences visible and adjustable.
What were the learnings?
- Transparent algorithms build user trust and drive adoption
- Interfaces trigger behaviour change as users moderate preferences after seeing others' needs
- Intuitive button design was inspired by DJ consoles and faders, incorporating familiar tactile controls that require zero learning curve
- Haptic resistance feedback physically communicates consensus boundaries
- Increased respect for consumer electronics: hardware complexity was tackled by building 4 custom PCBs and 3D-printed components
- Real-time testing with a sizeable sample size necessary to fully understand utility and feature opportunities
- Potential feature additions identified, like vacation mode for when roommates are away & simple turn off button to shut heating/cooling system
- People don't adjust their temperature preferences as frequently as anticipated
