JESK Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea

Heuristic-Driven Redesign and Evaluation of a Smart-Home App: A Case Study

Seoyoon Kim , Wonjoon Kim , Ilsun Rhiu
10.5143/JESK.2025.44.6.787 Epub 2026 January 02

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Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to enhance the LG ThinQ app's primary function—home appliance control—through UX/UI analysis, leveraging Nielsen's ten heuristic evaluation criteria for improvement and user survey validation.

Background: With IoT-enabled homes becoming prevalent, the LG ThinQ app seeks to offer a convenient environment using AI and smart technology. However, its complexity has hampered efficient appliance control. This study addresses these UX/UI limitations.

Method: Based on Nielsen's criteria, fifty-seven participants evaluated an improved UX/UI prototype against existing app interfaces using a 5-point Likert scale.

Results: The analysis led to a focused improvement plan for the appliance control function. This included a neomorphism design to clarify the app's role as a remote control and UX enhancements like better smart routines and new features such as appliance favorites and tutorials.

Conclusion: The study effectively improved the ThinQ app's UX/UI, significantly enhancing usability for appliance control and confirming the prototype's effectiveness.

Application: The improvements are expected to overcome the app's control function limitations, enhancing usability, and aligning with the company's goal of improving users' lives through advanced technology, thereby reinforcing the app's utility and user experience.

Keywords

Smart home Usability Heuristic evaluation User-centered design

References

1. Choi, H.S. and Kim, S.I., A Study on User Experience of OTT Service: Focused on Netflix, Watcha, and Wavve, Journal of Digital Convergence, 18(4), 425-431, 2020. doi:10.14400/JDC.2020.18.4.425.