Qingdao Yeelink Information Technology Co.,Ltd.
Interview with Yao Wang, Zhixiang Yin, Wen Zhang

Red Dot: What aspects were central to the development of the Yeelight Pro D Smart Panel?

We use Bluetooth Mesh technology because it facilitates the remote control of the lighting via a gateway and supports compatibility and interconnectivity with other smart devices. To increase user-friendliness, we developed a borderless design and an anti-reflective glass surface. The panel is suitable for customer-specific labelling and colour coding, and special attention was paid to installation guidelines and spatial adaptability.

How important is the customisation aspect for consumers? 

It’s very important. The ability to individually label it and assign buttons to functions means that users have immediate visual feedback on functions, and operating errors are prevented. The colour choices not only allow harmonious integration into home styling concepts but also create a stronger resonance between the product and its users. These customisation options set our products apart from conventional devices.

Has smart home technology opened up a brand-new field of design?

It has significantly expanded the boundaries of design, but smart product designers have to work with experts in other fields. They need a knowledge of industrial design, ergonomics, interaction design and IoT technology. And they can only design products that are more closely geared to user habits in the context of multidisciplinary collaborations. Uniting aesthetics with smart tech also presents designers with the challenge of seamlessly integrating complex technology into the living environment. This can be achieved with innovative colours, materials and surfaces that enhance the products’ visual appearance.