How Age and Gender Affect Interest in Smart Home Technology

According to an article in siliconangle.com, the market for smart home appliances is anticipated to reach $38.35 billion by 2020, but a recent report shows a real gap between knowledge of these products and using them every day.

The National Smart Home Survey asked participants about their awareness with regards to smart home technology uses and preferences. The survey showed a difference in interest according to age and gender. It found that 82% of respondents had heard of smart home technology, but just over 10% actually owned smart home devices. Less than 20% had heard of and tried smart home devices, and just over half had an idea as to what a smart home device actually was. Just over 17% admitted they were absolutely clueless about smart home technology.

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When it came to gender, the survey found that more men were likely to own and use smart home devices compared to women. Some 55% of men had heard about smart home devices, while the percentage of women who knew what they were was slightly lower at 54%. The number of men who had tried smart home devices was 20% while 12% actually own smart home devices. The number of women who have tried smart home devices was slightly lower at 17%, while 10% actually own them. Just 13% of men hadn’t heard about smart home technology, while the figure for women was slightly higher at 20%. While men are more interested in the convenience offered by smart home technology, women are more interested in devices that offer security.

When it came to age then the results of the survey were quite surprising as 20% of those aged between 18 and 29 had no idea what smart home technology is with the number decreasing as age increased. Although older people may be more aware of smart home technology, they are less willing to try it as 60% of those who had not tried or owned a smart home device were aged between 45 and 59. However older generations are more likely to make a purchase. When it came to choosing between conservation and savings, convenience or safety, those aged below 30 were more interested in the conservation and savings features. Those aged between 30 and 44 cited convenience being their top priority, while people aged between 45 and 59 tended to value security more. Those aged over 60 put safety and security in equal ranking with convenience.