Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm Listener

The SimpliSafe Smoke & CO Alarm Listener is designed to extend protection without replacing what already works. Instead of requiring a new system, the device sits beside an existing hardwired alarm—listening for its alert and instantly relaying that signal to the SimpliSafe dispatch center. The goal was to create a seamless bridge between legacy hardware and a connected security ecosystem.

The core challenge was extreme constraint: strict cost targets and a housing limited to just three parts. Within this simplicity, the design needed to feel solid, reliable, and consistent with the SimpliSafe brand. I focused on a clean, minimal form language—using sharp edges and precise geometry to communicate security and confidence, while maintaining an efficient and manufacturable structure.

A key part of the experience is installation and everyday interaction. I designed the battery compartment to be intuitive and guided, using subtle cutouts, internal structures, and texture to visually and physically lead the user through correct placement. These details not only improve usability but also elevate the perceived quality without adding cost.

Another critical insight was placement accuracy. Since the device must sit within four inches of the existing alarm to function properly, I integrated a simple but effective solution into the quick-start guide—a built-in four-inch measurement tool that helps users install the product correctly with confidence.

This project reflects a fundamental design principle: creating value not by adding complexity, but by carefully shaping every detail within tight constraints—where clarity, usability, and trust define the experience.