Design Buy Build Issue 56 2022 | Page 8

EDITORS CHOICE
INTUITIVE NOT SIMPLE
It is not uncommon for a thermostat to have buttons that just don ’ t do anything . Maybe the feature has been disabled , maybe overridden ; for whatever reason , this complicates the experience and can even lead to support calls as the user ’ s perception is that the system is not working . This is also true for the strange choice of symbols and cryptic hieroglyphics displayed on a screen .
The luxury client is not interested if it is in frost protection mode , the floor has reached max temperature or in the angle of the ventilation grills . Yes , this information is important and should be accessible , but does it need to be so prevalent ? The best user interface is one that from a glance the user knows what ’ s happening and how to use it .
The Zentiums ’ digital crown is a universally understood control interface . Turn it up and the room temperature increases , turn it down it stops heating or starts cooling . Press the crown to change pages to fan speed , zone two or towel radiator .
There is no language barrier to this interface and different features that are being disabled can be altered . This allows the same thermostat to be used across spaces with different requirements without causing confusion .
INTEGRATION
With any modern home regardless of the styling principles , the devices installed should seamlessly create an intuitive solution .
Something that looks great often lacks the technical features that a quality installation requires . As an installer , your company profit is reliant on repeatability from the lessons learnt on previous jobs . Why have a different solution if you use Crestron , Lutron , Control4 , Savant , Elan etc . Choose a thermostat that can be used with all these control systems so a repeatable design profile can be created . Additionally , it is important to consider its integration with BMS control systems such as NorthBT , Trend
and Delta etc . Many AV installers shy away from this key part of an integrated smart building , in much the same way they hide the thermostats away in a cupboard . The broad spectrum of integration offered by the Zentium thermostat allows AV and BMS companies to work in a much more harmonious way . The benefits of this are the deep technical knowledge that BMS companies offer , allowing for a truly customer centric design .
AWARD WINNING DESIGN
The Zentium pro thermostat won a prestigious award for CEDIA best new hardware product 2020 and is going from strength to strength as customers agree with the beautiful no nonsense concept . Custom Electronics Design and Installation Association ( CEDIA ) is an international trade association representing the professional home automation / smart home technology industry .
www . polarbeardesign . co . uk 01635 945700 | sales @ polarbeardesign . co . uk
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