Japanese "calm design" company Mui Lab has a solution for the control of home automation systems so stripped down it consists of little more than a slab of wood, if one featuring a touch interface and internet connectivity.
First launched on Kickstarter back on October 2018 before the inevitable CES 2019 appearance, the Mui uses iFTT to connect with smart home devices such as Sonos speakers, Nest thermostats and Philips Hue lighting. The simple UI features a home screen with 5 icons for weather, temperature, lighting, Spotify and smart doorbell control, and control involves a combination of swipes and taps.
Being a smart display, the Mui also displays weather information, messages and world time. When not in use the display is switched off, turning the Mui into a simple blank slab of wood (a tap wakes it up, mind). Also included is built-in Google Assistant support, although a lack of speaker means the responses take place as on-screen text.
Mui Labs says initial shipments of the Mui to Kickstarter backers will take place on September 2019.
Go Mui