I’m really excited and at the same time a bit worried about the marriage between Project Walt and Project Cheryl (this one).
I’m one of those who felt in love with the LZW36 switch for different reasons including: product design.
For me it is not enough to provide a functionality, how you delivery it makes all the difference, which brings the question:
Which of the suggested button layout (from your screenshot), when combined with Project Cheryl would replace the LZW36 offer?
The LZW36 looks just right, it is the perfect design. Both buttons are of the same size because both devices are equally important. The way you dim the lights is consistent with the way you change the fan speed. The engraved icons are the perfect size.
Let’s assume for now we can get the small icons similar to the LZW36 (they are elegant and help the switch blend in with Lutron Pico remotes). Then we are left with the layout.
The large two buttons from the picture (first design) looks like a good candidate but it lacks the dimmer and speed buttons.
The fifth design (two sets of on-off and up and down arrows) offers the total number of buttons needed but the design looks a little too busy for the purpose.
Please keep in mind I’m talking about user experience, some kid walking into my house and figuring out how to turn on the fan and set it to the right speed. Nobody should have to ask or think twice before figuring out how to use a light switch.
I’m super excited about both projects and I know they are meant to be two distinct products however, I can see how easy it is for inovelli to miss the opportunity to come out with a bundle that is equal or superior to the LZW36 switch, as far as design and user experience goes - I know that internally they are superior products and combined they will offer more functionality and stability that the LZW36 but the point I’m trying to make here is user experience and usability.