A novel service that allows for hands-free front door opening and closing through voice control and other methods

Challenges:

Currently, barrier-free access is being promoted in various social settings, including public transportation facilities and buildings.

LIXIL was exploring new barrier-free products that could be retrofitted to front doors from various manufacturers and easily used by anyone. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, they also sensed a growing societal need for touchless front door opening and closing systems from the perspective of infection control.

The challenge in the project was to develop an app that would work in conjunction with the product. As hardware integration was essential, the partner was required to have high app development expertise capable of using agile development, which is robust against specification changes and feature additions, and supporting Bluetooth connectivity and voice recognition.

Solutions:

Monstarlab discussed the required app functionalities and conducted requirements definition with all stakeholders, including product representatives. We researched similar services, determined specifications, and worked to achieve them.

Initially, we established a plan to develop and design in parallel, solidifying the app's overall structure with the iOS version before migrating to the Android version. For the iOS version, we conducted technology research to support Siri voice recognition and Apple Watch usage.

On the design side, we created wireframes based on a list of features and screens. While maintaining consistency with the tone of other apps developed by LIXIL, we sought to create a simple and user-friendly UI design.

For Bluetooth connectivity, which had significantly different internal flows between iOS and Android, we explored optimal solutions for each OS. In terms of security, we incorporated mechanisms such as requiring passcode input for specific doors and ensuring that connections were not persistent except during app use.

In parallel with development, we conducted hardware-based testing that aligned with the screen transition diagrams. We repeated thorough tests, especially focusing on Bluetooth connectivity and voice recognition functionality, identifying and improving any bugs or usability issues.