Look before you leap: Exploring the challenges of technology and user experience in the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a new concept that is growing in interest amongst researchers, businesses and the end users. It engages and stimulates certain fundamental traits of human behavior — our need and desire to interact, to exchange ideas and to communicate with the surrounding environment. While the IoT potentially breaks down barriers of distance and time, it is interesting to consider how open & accessible it is. This article explores aspects of the IoT that may be important for future developments and aspires to provide an alternative perspective for an improved user experience (UX).