ZigHaven

Overview

ZigHaven is an iOS app available on the App Store that serves as a native frontend for Zigbee2MQTT smart home systems. I designed and developed the full product — from UX concept to iOS release and server-side backend deployment.

The app gives users a polished, native iOS experience for controlling their Zigbee smart home devices, including real-time monitoring, device scheduling, and power consumption tracking.

The Challenge

Existing smart home interfaces for Zigbee2MQTT are primarily web-based dashboards that lack the polish and convenience of a native mobile experience. Key challenges included:

• Managing MQTT connection reliability across network transitions (WiFi to cellular and back)
• Synchronizing device state across multiple iOS devices via MQTT messaging
• Enabling deployment and configuration of a Linux-based monitoring backend directly from the iOS interface
• Delivering real-time device control with proper state reconciliation
• Balancing local caching with real-time updates for a responsive user experience

The Process

As sole designer and developer, I handled the complete product:

• Research & Analysis: Studied existing Zigbee2MQTT interfaces and smart home apps to identify UX gaps and user pain points
• Information Architecture: Designed a room-based device organization model with intuitive grouping and quick access patterns
• Interaction Design: Developed card-based device controls with real-time status feedback and scheduling interfaces
• Visual Design: Created a clean, modern UI with AI-generated room backgrounds using Apple Intelligence
• Development: Built the full iOS app, MQTT integration layer, and Vapor-based backend
• Accessibility: Ensured full VoiceOver support throughout the entire app

The Solution

Key features designed and built:

• Room-Based Device Organization: Card-based display grouping devices by room, with real-time status indicators
• Real-Time Control: Instant device monitoring and control via MQTT, with proper state reconciliation across network transitions
• Weekly Schedule Editor: Visual scheduling interface for automating device behavior throughout the week
• Vacation Mode: Temperature strategies with configurable schedules for when users are away
• Power Consumption Dashboard: Visualization of energy usage with charts and historical data, powered by a self-deployable backend
• AI-Generated Room Backgrounds: Using Apple Intelligence to create contextual room imagery
• AI-Powered Sensor Detection: Automatic identification of contact sensor types for simplified setup
• Server Deployment Wizard: In-app setup for the Vapor-based Linux backend via Docker, managed over SSH

Results & Impact

• Successfully launched on the App Store
• Provides a native iOS alternative in a space dominated by web-based dashboards
• Full VoiceOver accessibility support makes the app usable for visually impaired users
• The server deployment wizard eliminates the technical barrier of backend setup, making advanced features accessible to non-technical users
• End-to-end ownership across design, iOS development, and server infrastructure