2017 - 2019
I worked 2 years at Somfy, designing controllers of all kinds for entrance gates, garage doors, window blinds, awnings and other home automation equipments.
I have few images of my work there, so this page will maybe be a bit sparse on content. However, during my experience, I had the opportunity to work with a fantastic team on all aspects of home automation control. I was involved in application design, embedded interface design, UX, and physical product design.
I worked on the interface for Nina, a remote control equipped with a screen that can manages dozens of home automation devices.
This work was incredibly interesting. Designing for an embedded interface, especially with a device that has its own unique codes and constraints—different from what we’re used to as interface designers (like smartphone, PC, or web interfaces)—is always a fascinating challenge. This remote control featured a small black-and-white touchscreen with a low resolution and a really narrow format. For Nina, I worked on pure UI design as well as UX studies for the remote control, including on-site user interviews and other research.
I designed numerous screens for this remote control, including interfaces for managing connected lights, swinging shutters, pergolas, and horizontal blinds.
I designed the Smoove 2-4, a wall-mounted controller capable of managing up to four devices.
A significant amount of time was dedicated to the ergonomics of the switch—ensuring that controlling one to four devices at once was understandable, intuitive, and practical. We also focused heavily on the physical design and appearance of the selection buttons, aiming for them to function as LED indicators as well. We created translucent buttons for this purpose. I was in charge of the industrial design of the product, including its concept, ergonomics, and the design of the light signals.
You can enjoy this video of a Somfy Expert Vendor, presenting it below.
The first app I designed was a proof of concept intended for internal use, aimed at controlling a new type of shutters.
These shutters were unique in that they could open independently from top to bottom and/or bottom to top. The app needed to control this type of equipment while also offering management of device groups and routines.
Looking back, my design was quite basic, accessibility was not an issue… but hey, we all have to start somewhere!
I've also worked on a mini light sensor with a really cute design.
I collaborated with Bastien Deschamps on the UX study and concept for a small solar sensor designed to control devices. I sketched the idea of a compact square sensor encased in a silicone shell that could be attached to various interior elements in the home. The remainder of the project and the renderings were completed by Bastien.
