Question

So I run into issues every time I automate parts of the home. I’m always stumped on how to properly call it without having to exert too much effort into stating the command. So today, after brainstorming with my 6 & 7 year old, we came up simple terms that they can use. In addition to the formal names of the switch, I created a group with a new name they can use! So they call their bedroom light the Sun, bathroom lights, the Moon, and their floor lights the Star. If they want to turn everything off they called it the Sky . Then I realized my wife and I struggle speaking the long commands so I made it easy and fun. Alexa Lighting Shortcuts Master Bathroom Lights: Paris Master Bedroom Lights: Dallas Kids Room Lights: Miami Babys Room Lights: New York Office / Den Lights: Manila Foyer / Dining / Family Lights: Tokyo Loft / Bedroom / Bath Lights: Las Vegas Playroom Lights / Formal: London Now turning on or off the lights are as easy as: Alexa, turn on Sun Alexa, turn off Paris Alexa, turn on Vegas Anyone else use nicknames for your lights?  

Answer 1

No, I find it much easier to just use the logical name that anyone would use and likely guess on their own. Helps make it easier for guests too.  

Answer 2

Trust me it gets confusing after awhile. Personally I mainly use motion detectors and door sensors with a few routines for things like all outside lights on/off, bedtime and morning. This also lets me have TVs and things switch off as well when no one is in the room though that takes a bit more logic than Alexa can handle. You will want a hub for that.  

Comments

@sibship User friendly is subjective. I'm way past to point where finding devices in the Alexa phone interface is not painful. They are WAY over due for another make over to handle larger numbers of devices. I could swear for awhile there Alexa let you say things like "lights on" and it would trigger the routine based on that phrase AND the Alexa that heard it. Not seeing it now though. The kind of logic I'm talking about: if motion in room turn on light if door opens and no motion in room turn on light and TV If no motion detected for 10 minutes AND door is closed turn off light and TV. If door open keep both on and reset motion timer. Though I've moved up to Homeseer these days where doing that kind of thing is simple. Yet a lot of people complain it is not friendly.  

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@sibship Besides the fact it works with WAY more sensors than Alexa you can put conditions on motion like I said above. For instance multiple sensors acting as one or only triggering when a another thing is also true. Even some of the hubs are not simple to do things like that.  

Answer 3

I was using muppets and Disney characters names but it got confusing. Oscar the grouch is the only one left (our MBR fan).