Nest Redesign
A UI-focused redesign of the Google Nest Thermostat tailored to eco-conscious minimalists. The project explores how subtle interface enhancements can align with sustainable, simple lifestyles while offering intuitive, supportive climate control.
Role
UX & UI Designer
Date & Duration
2024, made in 10 weeks
Type
Group
Collaboration
As smart home products become more advanced, their interfaces often prioritize capability over clarity, leaving specific audiences underserved. For eco-conscious minimalists, existing thermostats can feel overly complex, visually intrusive, or disconnected from their values of simplicity and presence. The challenge lies in creating a more intuitive and quiet interface — one that respects their desire for mindful living and physical comfort without adding digital noise.
Problem
Solution
This reimagined Nest Thermostat embraces subtle enhancements to better serve eco-conscious minimalists through intentional, research-driven design. The interface blends seamlessly into any interior —present when needed, invisible when not. Prioritizing user comfort, mindful energy use, and physical presence over digital distraction, the solution brings thoughtful clarity to the most affordable tier in the Nest lineup without compromising quality or simplicity.
Audience Insights
Eco-Conscious Minimalists
Simplicity & Sustainability
Value straightforward, sustainable choices that reduce waste and clutter.
Durability & Functionality
Prioritize long-lasting products made from natural, eco-friendly materials.
Gives preference to peaceful and organized spaces , reflecting responsible life choices.
Mindful Living
Visual Language & Design Pillars
1. Subtle Clarity
Interfaces should feel lucid and non-intrusive—clear when needed, invisible when not. Simplicity is not emptiness, but intentional restraint.
2. Atmospheric Neutrality
A monochromatic and demure palette blends into the home, not over it. The UI becomes part of the atmosphere, not a focal point.
Design choices are grounded, reflecting a respect for natural materials and tones. Form follows intention, not attention.
3. Natural Restraint
4. Quiet Confidence
While not loud or assertive, the interface offers strength in presence — stable, predictable, and thoughtfully crafted to support comfort without interruption.
Usability Testing
Evaluate design clarity
Test functionality and usability of features
Assess iconography, text size, and proportions
Check color contrast and energy feedback efficiency
Tested with 10 users: 8 Nest users; 2 Non-Nest users
Testing Objectives:
Task Completion – Primary Actions
100/100%
Change the current temperature
100/100%
Turn modes on/off
100/100%
Identify the “Energy Consumption” feature
100/100%
Identify the “Temperature Range” feature
42/100%
Identify the “My Schedule” feature
1. All participants described the UI as “calm” and “simple”, affirming that the design tone aligns with our target audience.
Key Insights
2. Participants expressed the need for clearer instructions or microcopy on how features function.
3. There was a lack of clarity in content-heavy screens such as My Schedule and Energy Consumption.
4. Participants noted a disconnect between icons/visuals and their related text, impacting comprehension.
5. A desire for greater visual cohesion across screens was commonly voiced.
Changes
Home Screen: My Schedule Feature
Solution:
Improved placement, grouped with related features, and added a supporting label
Issue:
Low visibility and unclear relevance to thermostat use
My Schedule Screen
Issue:
Low comprehension due to small text and unclear information hierarchy
Solution:
Improved text size, clarified data relationships, and aligned layout with other screens for cohesion
Issue:
Low contrast, small text, and unclear hierarchy made key data hard to interpret
Energy Dashboard Screen
Solution:
Introduced a new color scheme, increased text size, and emphasized key metrics with clarified iconography
Solution:
Aligned with mobile version, increased text size, and added contextual information for clarity
Issue:
Unclear information, small text, and lack of supporting details
My Schedule Thermostat Screen
