Mobile Vibration Feedback for Device Control

S.C.O.R.E. → Convenience → Device Control

Overview

This capability enhances user interaction with smart home devices by providing haptic feedback on mobile devices when controlling entities. It improves the user experience by confirming actions, ensuring users know their commands have been received, even in noisy environments.

Benefits

• Increased confidence in device control actions
• Better user experience, especially in noisy settings
• Immediate tactile feedback reinforces successful commands

Intent

The purpose of this capability is to add a tactile layer to the control of smart home devices via mobile phones. By triggering vibrations when users interact with devices, it reinforces successful actions and enhances overall usability.

Preconditions

• Mobile device with vibration capability.
• Home Assistant set up and configured.
• Entities configured for control within Home Assistant.
• Home Assistant installed and configured.
• Integration available and authenticated: Sonos.
• Device installed and reachable: Sonos | Sonos One.

Actors

• Homeowner
• Family member
• Guest

Trigger

The capability is triggered when a user attempts to control a smart home device via the Home Assistant mobile app.

Workflow Diagram

flowchart TD
    A[User attempts to control device] -->|check| B{Device responsive?}
    B -->|Yes| C[Activate device action]
    C --> D[Vibrate mobile device]
    B -->|No| E[Display error message]

Workflow Description

1. User Initiates Control

The user opens the Home Assistant app and selects a device to control.

2. System Checks Device Status

Home Assistant verifies if the selected device is online and responsive.

3. Device Action Triggered

If the device is responsive, the requested action (like turning on lights) is executed.

4. Vibration Feedback Activated

The mobile device vibrates to confirm that the action has been sent successfully.

5. Error Handling

If the device is unresponsive, an error message is displayed to the user.

Postconditions

After the capability completes, the user has tactile confirmation that their command was executed or an error message if the device was unresponsive.

Optional Enhancements

• Customizable vibration patterns for different devices
• Integration with voice confirmation for accessibility
• Notification options for multiple users

Recommended Components

Source Examples

• 2026.1: Home is where the dashboard is ?? – Home Assistant (homeassistant)