So you want to design an application or service that runs inside a physical space. It may involve defining environmental controls like connecting a remote controller to raise the volume of a stereo or music stream. Then if you got people walkin around you need to negotiate/declare the interactions between them. If they have devices strapped to their bodies how will these talk to each other? What will they control?

Came across a page on architectradure which led to a page on home automation. Here are 2 terms you can borrow from the interior design universe.

Words: Scene control and Zone control . Used to somewhat good effect below..

“At Leviton, we believe that enabling new technologies to customize and schedule common lifestyle activities performed everyday is beneficial in any home. Simply stated, quality home automation makes life easier. Controlling lights with single-button scene control and zone control add new dimensions to a lighting system—a dimension you can’t achieve with a solo dimmer on the wall. In fact, home lighting automation is one of the most powerful methods Interior Designers use to change moods in a room.

Every room in the home benefits from home control and home automation. Here’s just a few examples of popular applications:

* Kitchen and Dining Room: Create scenes for the different tasks such as dining, cooking and cleaning.
* Home Theater and Media Rooms: Create a dramatic “dim the lights before the show” integrated with your home theater system.
* Master Bedroom: Control zones of lights from the bedside to turn ON and OFF lights outside, downstairs or throughout the entire home.
* Landscape and Garden: Schedule when the garden path lights turn ON and OFF, or combine all the outdoor lights to activate at once for security.
* Staircase and Hallways: Ensure safety by turning on lights at appropriate lighting levels throughout the day and night.
* Living Room: Add elegance and intimacy. Lighting is one of the most powerful methods Interior Designers use to change moods in a room.
* Family Room and Great Rooms: Select a lighting scene for one person to read a good book, or the entire family to celebrate a birthday party.”