A new website summarising nearly a decade of research into how home sensor systems can support health goes live today.

Based on findings from a series of collaborative projects with both housing providers and care organisations, the resource provides an introduction to how environmental sensors can improve indoor living conditions at home.

Faced with a complex topic that is often misunderstood, the team behind the website worked with award-winning illustrator, Eva Bee, to bring their research to life.

Eva created a series of drawings in her inimitable style to convey how people feel about home sensors, and encapsulate the numerous ways they can be used to support health.

One of the research leads behind the project, Dr Tim Walker, hopes the resource will give those unfamiliar with the topic an insight into how sensor systems can work. He said:

“We wanted to share information about home sensors in a way that makes sense to everyone, without using technical jargon. So we’ve designed the site to be intuitive and educational and a step towards our mission to conduct research that can inform policy and practice.”

You can visit the resource at home-sensors.org.

The team’s insights are underpinned by a long series of studies conducted in partnership with housing, healthcare, and sensor providers including Coastline Housing, Age UK, Cornwall Council, the Chartered Institute of Housing, Housing Association Charitable Trust (HACT), Aico, and the NHS.

Prof Emma Bland, another of the experts leading this research, added:

“We’re so excited to share our work in this area, particularly insights from residents, case studies from housing providers, and an introduction to the ways we manage data. It’s been a lot of fun bringing these topics to life with Eva’s wonderful illustrations, and we hope others find it a useful resource too.”