Understanding the Internet of Things

Consumer awareness of the connected home is growing quickly, according to findings released from connected home studies that were fielded by Kelton Global and Research Now in the United States Commissioned by Nest, the studies were designed to uncover consumer sentiment about the connected home market. Findings include 81 percent of Americans either own or are interested in purchasing a connected home product in the next year; to Americans, the main benefit of having a connect home product is increased convenience (54 percent), followed by increased security (44 percent), a reduced energy bill (38 percent), and boosted home value (21 percent); 38 percent of Americans are more interested in connected home products today than they were six months ago.

The increased interest is also reflected in the retail environment. "Connected home products like the Nest Thermostat are among one of the fastest-growing categories in the retail environment," says Amanda Parrilli, director of connected home, Home Depot. "And considering the connected home is really just starting to take off, the potential for the market is incredibly exciting."

The average connected consumer is family- and home oriented. An overwhelming 89 percent said spending time with family is their first priority, yet approximately half (51 percent) rarely have enough time in the day to do all they need. Perhaps that's why 63 percent wish that their home could just take care of itself. Fifty-six percent feel it's more important that their home is comfortable than looks good and 73 percent love their home and want to live in it for a long time.

Increased safety and security continue to be compelling reasons to integrate connected home technology, with 44 percent of Americans indicating this as a key benefit of having connected products. Fifty-four percent value the convenience they offer, such as the ability to monitor and control their home from anywhere.

Environmental benefits and reducing monthly bills are also key motivators for consumers to install connected home products, with 38 percent pointing to reduction in home energy bills as a benefit. Fifty-nine percent of Americans also indicated they worry about their energy consumption.

Despite growing awareness of connected home products like thermostats, Americans are concerned about keeping their personal information secure online (82 percent) and worry that the technology in their home will quickly become outdated (43 percent). Understandably, they are willing to pay extra for high-quality electronics in their homes (63 percent). Bottom line, Americans just want the technology in their home to work well together (86 percent).

Awareness of connected home brands gradually increases with household income levels. However, across multiple income levels, more than half of Americans can name at least one connected home brand. When asked which brands in the "connected or smart home" space came to mind, 21 percent named Nest as the top brand, followed by Apple (12 percent) and Samsung (8 percent).

Questions

1. Using the data from the research results, write six questions that could have been used to gather the information.
2. What questions might have been asked on a screener to determine if an individual was qualified to respond.
3. Write three demographic questions that could have been used in the survey.