Exploring Engineers' Experiences in Tackling IoT Implementation Challenges in Smart Cities
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Abstract
The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies into smart cities is a rapidly evolving field that aims to optimize urban systems through interconnected devices. Despite significant advancements in IoT solutions, little research has explored the subjective experiences of engineers who implement these technologies in smart city projects. While technical performance and public adoption have been well-documented, the personal and social challenges faced by engineers remain underexplored. This study seeks to answer the question: How do engineers experience and interpret the challenges of implementing IoT solutions in smart cities? We employed an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach to delve into the lived experiences of engineers, focusing on both technical and social aspects. Through semi-structured interviews with 12 engineers involved in IoT smart city projects, we identified key themes related to system integration, scalability, and community acceptance. Our findings indicate that engineers struggle with integrating diverse IoT systems and ensuring scalability, while also encountering resistance and trust issues from local communities. These intertwined technical and social challenges emphasize the importance of adopting a holistic strategy that balances technological efficiency with community engagement. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of smart city development and provide insights for future research on human-centered technology integration.
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