Smart Homes, Big Data

Exploring how smart technologies and data-driven systems can improve housing and health – ethically and responsibly.

About this theme

Smart technologies, sensors, and data-driven systems are increasingly shaping how homes are managed, monitored, and experienced. From assistive technologies that support independent living to data systems that identify risks such as damp, overheating, or fire, these tools offer significant opportunities to improve housing and health outcomes.

Through this theme, the Healthy Housing Initiative examines how smart homes and big data are used in practice, and the ethical, legal, and social questions they raise. Our work focuses on ensuring that innovation in housing supports wellbeing, protects rights, and is grounded in transparency, consent, and trust.

Our Work

We work with housing providers, local authorities, health and social care partners, and technology developers to explore how smart housing solutions operate in real-world settings.

Our research focuses on:

1) how smart technologies are implemented and governed
2) resident understanding, consent, and trust
3) ethical and legal implications of data use
4) benefits and risks for different population groups
5) developing guidance for responsible innovation

Our aim is to ensure that smart housing delivers genuine public benefit while safeguarding residents’ rights and wellbeing.

Ethics & Data Governance

Investigating privacy, informed consent, data ownership, and accountability in the use of smart technologies in the home.

Assistive Technologies & Independent Living

Exploring how smart devices can support ageing populations, disabled people, and those with long-term health conditions to live independently and safely.

Smart Monitoring & Housing Conditions

Assessing the use of sensors and data systems to detect issues such as damp, mould, overheating, energy inefficiency, and fire risk.

Integration Across Housing, Health & Care

Examining how data can be shared responsibly across sectors to improve coordination between housing, health, and social care services.

Equity, Trust & Lived Experience

Understanding how residents experience smart technologies, including concerns about surveillance, fairness, and power.

Our Projects

Housing solutions

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Publications & Reports

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Work With Us

We collaborate with partners across housing, health, technology, and policy to:

  • evaluate smart housing programmes
  • develop ethical and governance frameworks
  • understand resident perspectives
  • support responsible data use and innovation
  • inform policy and regulatory development

To discuss collaborations on this theme, contact:
healthy-housing@hud.ac.uk