Last month, Kevin – a device aimed at preventing burglars from entering the home – exceeded its USD 50,000 Kickstarter funding goal in less than 24 hours. Named after the infamous character from Home Alone, the device simulates the presence of people in the home by emitting light, shadows and sound effects. Research from developers at the Swiss startup suggested the fear of confrontation is more of a deterrent to burglars than security cameras. Kevin will sell for USD 266.

Fun fact: In the medieval era, people used to safeguard their books with curses! Obviously, we’ve evolved a bit since then, as sensor-rich objects become smart and connected. But where many business people hear ‘smart’ and instantly focus on the technology (IoT! AI!), the most interesting thing about Kevin is that its ‘smartness’ is in how it makes up for its human users’ potential shortcomings: sensors mean that it turns itself on automatically when in an empty apartment. Forgetfulness is no longer a security issue! Sign us up 😄  

Second insight: like many recent novel consumer tech innovations, this emerged from a crowdfunding platform. These sites can act as your ready-made research lab and focus groups rolled into one! If you’re working for or with a big real estate company: imagine how far ahead of the competition you’d appear if you installed these devices in all your units, on customers’ behalf? Indeed, might we humbly recommend that after reading this email you spend an hour or two browsing the major crowdfunding platforms, on the hunt for new devices or gadgets your customers might welcome?  

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