The proposed solution is based on an innovative architecture that secures the communication between virtually any kind of controller device (cell phones, PDA’s, TVs and their remote controls, PCs, assistive technology devices, etc) and any controlled device (stoves, fridges, microwave ovens, lights, doors, washing machines, dryers, telephones, TVs, video recorders, stereos, etc).
Such an approach can be characterized as highly flexible (what closely corresponds with requirements for the special class of users that I2HOME have in mind). The flexibility requirements will be met by the modular architecture used in the project.
A very important issue in the project is development of a methodology that would allow the designers to take into account the special needs of individual users. This information (about users or classes of users) will be acquired by means of specially developed usability tests (besides other approaches developed in the framework of the project).
It is necessary to have in mind that design and implementation of user interfaces for this special class of users will require development of specific approaches. Standard approaches cannot be used in this environment (e.g. development of UIs with deeply structured menus etc.). Also a sort of personalization (where possible) of user interfaces – e.g. by means of avatars – will make the communication easier.
In general, it is possible to say that user interfaces complying with the specific requirements outlined above will be based on new principles that could significantly influence the theory of user interfaces.