A Critical Review of Smart Residential Environment Research Focusing Human–Building Interaction

Abstract

Most studies on smart residential environments have focused on adopting cutting-edge technologies rather than on user factors. There is little research on interaction with building technologies to support residents’ experiences in smart residential environments. This paper explores the current status of smart residential environment research from the human–building interaction perspective through a critical review of articles published in Q1 journals during 2013 to 2022. For our critical review, we developed an evaluation framework based on our definition of human–building interaction. Our results identified there are limitations in smart residential environments research: a lack of consideration of human-building interaction in the field of the built environment, an excessive focus on the user–technology interaction for performance, and less consideration of urban and architectural design issues regarding human–building interaction. To bridge the gap in the research, the three key points are discussed. Last, we propose a conceptual framework for designing and delivering improved smart residential environments, emphasizing the role of stakeholders in each smart residential environment lifecycle stage to achieve a balanced interaction between the three key elements: users, the built environment, and technologies.