# Exploring Smart Commercial Building Occupants' Perceptions and Notification Preferences of Internet of Things Data Collection in the United States

**Authors:** Tu Le, Alan Wang, Yaxing Yao, Yuanyuan Feng, Arsalan Heydarian, Norman Sadeh, Yuan Tian  
**arXiv:** [2303.04955](https://arxiv.org/abs/2303.04955)  
**Date:** 2023-03-09  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/paper/2303.04955v2/

## Key points

- The study explores perceptions and notification preferences of occupants in smart commercial buildings regarding data collection through IoT devices
- Lack of awareness among participants about data collection practices associated with IoT devices
- Misunderstandings among participants regarding different data practices
- Majority of participants express a desire to be notified about data practices in smart buildings
- Preference for push notifications over passive methods such as websites or physical signs
- Mobile app notifications are the least preferred method for smart commercial buildings
- Emphasizes the need to study occupants' understanding and perception of data collection in smart commercial buildings
- Clear communication strategies tailored to each building's context and audience needs can enhance occupant trust and acceptance of IoT technologies while promoting convenience and energy efficiency.

## Summary

The study explores the perceptions and notification preferences of occupants in smart commercial buildings regarding data collection through Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The aim is to understand how occupants perceive and trust the data collection practices in these buildings. The researchers conducted an online study with 492 participants who reported working in smart commercial buildings in the United States. The findings reveal that despite noticing the presence of IoT devices and sensors, around half of the participants are not fully aware of the data collection and use practices associated with them. This lack of awareness highlights a significant challenge in implementing IoT technologies in practice. Additionally, the study uncovers several misunderstandings among participants regarding different data practices. Interestingly, the majority of participants express a desire to be notified about data practices in smart buildings. They prefer push notifications over passive methods such as websites or physical signs. Surprisingly, mobile app notifications, which are popular for smart homes, are found to be the least preferred method for smart commercial buildings. Overall, this research emphasizes the need to study occupants' understanding and perception of data collection in smart commercial buildings. By addressing these concerns and preferences through clear communication strategies tailored to each building's context and audience needs, building owners and managers can enhance occupant trust and acceptance of IoT technologies while promoting convenience and energy efficiency.