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Show HN: I built an app to use a QR code as my doorbell

140 points by dirkc 2y ago

I didn’t have a doorbell before (multiple reasons) and my house feels unwelcoming without one. So I built a doorbell app that uses a QR code - visitors scan the QR code to ring the doorbell and I get notified on my phone. Here is an example of the QR code I have on my door. You can scan it and say hello: https://www.thebacklog.net/img/2024/10/show-hn.png https://www.thebacklog.net/img/2024/10/show-hn.png This was also a great excuse to build my first app for Android and iPhone. I’d love to get some feedback before I spend more time polishing the app. Please try it out and feel free to ask me any questions! No logins or accounts needed.

123pie123 2y ago
>Having a doorbell does not need to be complicated. I'm not sure if your and my definition of complicated are the same in this case
- dirkc 2y ago
  True. What are you comparing it to if I may ask - a traditional doorbell or a modern smart doorbell?
  - block_dagger 2y ago
    A knock.
  - themoonisachees 2y ago
    The user interface for a doorbell (smart or dumb) is a a single button that you press, with your finger. Compare that to take out my phone, find a way to scan a qr code, scan it, install an app (?!?!), press a single button with my finger, on the app. This is even supposing that I want to do that to begin with (I know for sure delivery drivers are never doing it). Good job on the project, I really mean it. It doesn't matter what you do, it matters that you've achieved it and for that, congrats. But as a practical semi-object, this has to be one of the worst ways possible to solve the problem.
    - dirkc 2y ago
      That is a valid point. The visitor does not need to install the app, but it's still more complicated than pushing a button. From the owner's perspective I imagine it's at least a little bit simpler to install an app and put up a QR code. Although if they have to print it out themselves I guess all bets are off. > Good job on the project, I really mean it. It doesn't matter what you do, it matters that you've achieved it and for that, congrats. But as a practical semi-object, this has to be one of the worst ways possible to solve the problem. Thank you, those are kind words. I doubt that this is the worst possible way in every context, but working towards better solutions is why we share stuff and ask/give feedback :)
  - sebtron 2y ago
    Just curious, what does a "modern smart doorbell" do exactly?
    - nkozyra 2y ago
      Typically transmit video to phones, which is also pretty trivial with about $20 of hardware.
  - thomascountz 2y ago
    A text or call on said smartphone.
- deleted 2y ago
  [deleted]
- atoav 2y ago
  That was my exact first thought. That seems to be a lot more complicated than a traditional bell, except for the fact that you don't have to run two wires there (a thing most places will already have there). I mean this could be a okay solution for a very certain set of circumstances, but making your visitors scan a QR-Code seems like bad UX, why not have them fill out a form while you're at it? If I had a situation where it was impossible to run wires through the wall I'd install a old-school knocker on the door and a knock sensor on the inside. UX is intuitive and the knock sensor can still send me things to the phone if I like that.
  - gregmac 2y ago
    > If I had a situation where it was impossible to run wires through the wall ... Wireless doorbells can be found for tens of dollars. You can get them with multiple receivers you can place around your house.
  - pepa65 2y ago
    We have a 40 yard driveway up a hill and trees in the line of sight. I am going to try this, as it will add another option of contacting us.
iamjfu 2y ago
Nice work! I wonder if instead of complexity you should call this a cheaper alternative to a smart doorbell? I don't think many of us think of smart doorbells as particularly complex. However, they could be out of budget for many. Alternatively, you could market as privacy respecting, where a smart doorbell is always recording.
- dirkc 2y ago
  Thank you! Those are good points. I'm still trying to figure out what the differentiating factor is for other people. For me it's the ease with which I can replace a QR and receiving a notification even when I'm not home
fph 2y ago
Is there a captcha, or can people ding-dong-ditch you from a continent apart?
- mingusrude 2y ago
  This is a good feature enhancement, to check the location of the ding-donging party.
  - nkozyra 2y ago
    Though since it's trivial spoofed I don't know why you'd bother. Something like this really needs a periodic refresh or some proximity proof like NFC.
    - swah 2y ago
      At this point just knock!
      - Towaway69 2y ago
        Crazy the doorbell replaced knocking and now the internet is replacing doorbells. Who invented doors? Perhaps that’s where it all went wrong. /s
      - nkozyra 2y ago
        We're willing to offer a $7M seed at a $50M valuation for your knock technology.
        Dilettante_ 2y ago
        Something something Knockchain
        dirkc 2y ago
        Only if you knock technology uses AI :)
danhau 2y ago
I love this sort of thing, very cool idea. I think it makes for a great weekend project to implement something similar yourself.
- dirkc 2y ago
  Agreed, if you're into hacking your own doorbell, there are a lot of really cool examples online of projects people have done. I'm considering setting up an ESP to integrate my old bell's chime with the QR code.
dghf 2y ago
This does seem like it might be prone to pranksters copying a particular doorbell code and putting it outside someone else's house (or several houses), distributing fake flyers that include it ("Scan here for a chance to win a cruise!"), and so forth.
- nkozyra 2y ago
  My immediate thought was: get an esp32 with an eink display and regenerate the code every ten minutes, but of course we've left the extremely easy realm quickly. But I agree I wouldn't want a static QR code linked to anything that could bother me.
  - atoav 2y ago
    Then, why not hook up a button to said ESP32 and improve the UX by multiple magnitudes? Oh.
    - cinntaile 2y ago
      I know I know. The QR link can resolve to a captcha/puzzle that needs to be solved before it actually rings!
      - nkozyra 2y ago
        Also we'll serve ads on it.
        kfarr 2y ago
        Choose the quarter pounder in all of the photos…
        dirkc 2y ago
        It will use a LLM to interview you and decide if you are allowed to ring the doorbell
GJim 2y ago
"R2-D2 you know better than to trust a strange QR code". Scanning QR codes outside a trusted environment (e.g. a workplace stock keeping system) is asking for trouble. Security advice now routinely recommends not deploying QR codes on your products, nor encouraging your employees/users to scan strange codes. It's like 1995 all over again. EDIT: In response to doubters below https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cz472gy8nd9o https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cz472gy8nd9o Besides, to paraphrase Dubya: "Goatse me once, shame on...shame on you. Goatse me—you can't get goastsie'd again."
- echoangle 2y ago
  Why do I hear this so often? Isn’t the risk exactly the same as clicking random links on the internet? Do you do a background check before opening an external link to a story on hacker news? The risk is exactly the same as when you scan a random QR code.
  - TrianguloY 2y ago
    Qrs may have other data, not only links, and there is always the extra (but minimal) risk of a vulnerability in the qr reader itself. Other than that, it's the same as clicking a link on an email, yes.
  - pacifika 2y ago
    You can hover over a link to see the destination, this isn’t always possible with a qr code as it depends on the client app
    - gruez 2y ago
      How many people actually hover/long press every link before clicking, especially on sites with UGC that allow for link spoofing (eg. <a href="http://evil.example">http://site.example</a> http://evil.example">http://site.example</a>)? If you're paranoid to do that, you can probably figure out how to audit qr codes before opening them. On iOS it's trivial to make one in Shortcuts. On Android, Firefox confirms the link before opening.
Waterluvian 2y ago
I unwired my doorbell and never looked back. It’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made about my house. If you get past the FOMO you might love it too. Why does the world get an interrupt button for your home?
- sam29681749 2y ago
  Visitors?
- ndsipa_pomu 2y ago
  A doorbell is just an easier and more polite version of knocking on your door. Do you also do something to prevent people from knocking on your door (e.g. a pit trap in front of it)?
  - Waterluvian 2y ago
    Yeah but there’s a slide down to the ball pit.
    - ndsipa_pomu 2y ago
      That sounds fun. Any problems with it filling up on Halloween or do you just empty it often?
      - Waterluvian 2y ago
        There's a "Complaints" button that opens another trap door to another ball pit. It's actually ball pits all the way down (though to be perfectly honest I haven't tested). What's important is that I haven't received a single complaint.
  - ChoGGi 2y ago
    Probably the same thing I did, left the button. It's a lot more peaceful not having random people bother me at home.
pratibha_simone 2y ago
I would want a NFC one tbh.
- pepa65 2y ago
  What would that really look like?? People need to have something in advance to ring your bell?
sam29681749 2y ago
What's the advantage of this over a traditional doorbell + a phone (which everyone already has)? If I'm home, I can hear them. If I'm not, they can just message/call me.
- master-lincoln 2y ago
  Traditional doorbell needs an electrically powered button on the exterior. Phone needs visitor to have your private contact info or you would need to publicly add a note with that to your door.
  - sam29681749 2y ago
    If you don't want to use electricity, you can have a knock. What reason would you want to be notified of unknown visitors knocking on your doors when you're away? The only people I can see fitting this description are delivery drivers & salesmen? Further, what if you're home and your phone is in another room, is on silent, or is dead? What is you have a spouse or housemate? Do both of you get notified? And there's also a subset of people who get frustrated by having to use QR codes in restaurants, who I suspect would be equally frustrated by this.
  - eesmith 2y ago
    There are battery powered remote doorbell buttons. Eg, $29 at Ace Hardware, with a 100 foot range - https://www.acehardware.com/departments/hardware/safety-and-security/doorbell-and-accessories/3318276 https://www.acehardware.com/departments/hardware/safety-and-... . Also, a real traditional doorbell is mechanically coupled to the bell, with no electricity at all.
  - ale42 2y ago
    QR solution needs the visitor to (a) have a smartphone with charged battery and (b) Internet connectivity. Quite common, but wont work for everybody.
    - sam29681749 2y ago
      Grandma delivering cookies is out of luck. To be fair, if you don't have a phone you could just knock. But then you could just knock to begin with.
edent 2y ago
This is a brilliant idea! Love the "take a photo" at the start. I assume (if you answer) it will go through WebRTC? Might be nice to play a "ding dong" sound in the browser?
- dirkc 2y ago
  Currently it isn't doing WebRTC, but that is the idea. Although I'm not sure if I want to add audio and/or video?
NKosmatos 2y ago
Good for you that you build your first mobile app(s) and for having an inventive mind, but please be aware that there are many many "bad" people out there that will abuse/prank/exploit simple ideas like yours. Keep yourself safe and don't allow people to disturb you in ways you haven't imagined. Unfortunately this is the state of the world right now :-(
- dirkc 2y ago
  Thanks for you concern. I need to look into different safeguards to prevent abuse. Right now I'm trying to see if there is at least some use
riiii 2y ago
Doorbell URL: https://dingdongdoorbell.com/bells/5muj34dpDCzdyABV/ https://dingdongdoorbell.com/bells/5muj34dpDCzdyABV/
langsoul-com 2y ago
Nfc touch doorbell would also be cool. Though, I do feel it's too technically advanced for most people to use.
- dirkc 2y ago
  That would be cool - the QR could also be a RFID tag. But like you mention, that would also be more advanced
deleted 2y ago
[deleted]
severak_cz 2y ago
Feedback: Bad UX. After scanning your example code I got page which asked me to take photo and I get really confused because I thought you want me to scan QR code again but there is no way to switch to other camera of my phone. Overall this feels too complicated. Unfriendly to people without smartphone or mobile internet. I understand this is DIY equivalent of camera doorbell, but I would definitely prefer some no-name chinese radio doorbell both as one ringing and maintaining it.
- dirkc 2y ago
  Thanks for the feedback. I agree that the UX needs lots of improving - I'm wondering if more instructions on the QR code or the page for the doorbell would work better? While a cheap radio doorbell might be better in many cases, there are still circumstances where it's not suitable. I'm trying to figure out which those are?
  - gruez 2y ago
    >I'm wondering if more instructions on the QR code or the page for the doorbell would work better? In general you should display a prompt explaining why a permission is needed (eg. "we need access to your camera to camera to take a picture to send to the owner, click allow on the next screen to allow."), and only ask for permissions after the user accepts the first prompt. However in this particular case you shouldn't have to request camera access directly. Using <input type="file" accept="image/*" capture="user> will display an system interface (ie. from the browser or OS) to allow the user to take/select an existing picture. It also already has preview and front/back camera selector built in, so you don't have to implement that yourself. https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTML/Attributes/capture https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTML/Attributes...
    - dylan604 2y ago
      If you're at the point of asking permissions, might as well grab the location data as well. You could then verify that the person hitting the QR code is actually on your front step which would eliminate all of the false positives like the replay attacks, copies being used in other locations, etc.
AndrewOMartin 2y ago
I think I walked past this in a European capital city, could that have been your doorbell (city not specified for obvious reasons)? Or are other people already using this?
- dirkc 2y ago
  I doubt that it was one of mine, I'm much further south. I'd be very curious to hear more about it
  - AndrewOMartin 2y ago
    I think it was this: https://www.reddit.com/r/iiiiiiitttttttttttt/comments/tam0yi/someone_thought_this_was_a_marketable_idea_a/ https://www.reddit.com/r/iiiiiiitttttttttttt/comments/tam0yi...
jillesvangurp 2y ago
I recently visited a friend in Finland. In Finland it's common for apartments to not have doorbells downstairs. Instead the door has a pincode that people use to get in which are typically shared with friends when you invite them. Except those pin codes are now commonly disabled for security reasons. So, I was waiting downstairs wondering what to do and in the end just called my friend after which he came downstairs to open the door. That works of course but a QR code would be a good alternative. Even if it just contained a tel:// link with the phone number. I love QR codes for low tech solutions like this. This stuff doesn't have to be hard. And you don't even need an app for this. Just print your own code with your phone number, email address, etc. (from any of a vast number of web based generators) and put it near the door with some instructions.
nabla9 2y ago
Choose better UX design. 1. Get a QR code to put at your door 2. Visitors scan the QR code using their smartphone camera 3. Get a notification on your phone wherever you are! OR 1. Install doorbell at your door. 2. Visitors press the doorbell using any of their extremities. 3. Get a notification on your phone wherever you are!
- Weetile 2y ago
  Not to mention a QR code excludes many people such as children and the elderly who might not have phones
  - dirkc 2y ago
    Good point, I'm hoping that this increases access rather than decrease it. In my neighborhood there are plenty of homes without doorbells.
    - saaaaaam 2y ago
      Maybe those people don’t want people to bother them. I keep the buzzer in my apartment turned off a lot of the time because random people buzz it trying to deliver things to my neighbours. We have a concierge desk for that.
- quesera 2y ago
  I probably agree with your premise (it's not clear), but: Scenario 1 (QR code) puts 100% of the infrastructure on the client (visitor) side, and scenario 2 (Nest, Ring, etc) puts 100% of the infrastructure on the server (resident) side. [Edit: strained metaphor perhaps, and yes both scenarios require connectivity infrastructure] So these are completely different methods of achieving the same goal, and there are easily imaginable cases where one scenario would be preferable over the other. Usually, server-side makes the most sense. Certainly in the case of a traditional wired or wireless dumb doorbell, it's simpler. But there are cases where server-side is difficult or impossible, especially if you want "smart" features like photos or routing or two-way interaction. Higher cost, permission from property owner if renting, etc. Pushing the infrastructure to client-side solves these problems. Most users will have the client infrastructure in their pocket already. No wires. No new piece of hardware to maintain, repair, keep charged, etc.
voytec 2y ago
I can see some potential for people with hearing loss. I've seen apartments and houses of such folks, with some small dedicated bulbs or even normal ceiling lights flashing furiously on all over the house upon someone ringing the doorbell. A doorbell signaling smartphones, making smart wrist watches vibrate etc, could be reasonable in such cases. But it could be still a plain uncomplicated button next to the door.
- dirkc 2y ago
  Thanks, I haven't heard that perspective before.
- account42 2y ago
  A "smart" doorbell that can notify you in various ways makes sense - even without hearing loss you may not always be able to hear the doorbell (headphones). Expecting guests and random strangers to go out of their way to accomodate that is not ideal. I don't know how I would react if I had to scan a QR code to ring a doorbell but chances are I would leave.
ale42 2y ago
Now someone might want to check for neighbors having such QR codes on their doors and replace them with QR serving ads (and accessorily ring the "bell" application), or just with something unrelated (like a page to install a rogue app). On a side note, a delivery person might actually not want to scan the QR code because (a) if you do this all the day long, it take much more time than pushing doorbell buttons, and (b) if they use their professional devices to do this, they might either have that URL blocked, or scanning a "random" QR code might be against their company's policies because it might expose them to security risks (imagine a phishing page with the login interface of the delivery company, or a site serving malware).
xyst 2y ago
iOS debuted a feature called “App Clips” awhile ago (2020?) that would be perfect for this. Most phones have an NFC reader as well so should work with Android too. Similar concept: 1) person taps phone against “door bell” 2) sends notification to user(s) 3) optionally, send “selfie” IIRC, app clips needed to be very small in size. So something like this could work, even in low bandwidth situations (ie, poor signal strength)
- dirkc 2y ago
  Thanks for the suggestion! I understood "app clips" to be like notifications, but sounds like they are worth looking into.
zaxomi 2y ago
I wish my annoying neighbor would get this, because then I can post the code online and have the whole world knocking on his door at all hours of the day.
JohnFen 2y ago
Your house seems more welcoming with a QR code? Scanning it seems like a hassle for visitors. I'd probably just knock.
- account42 2y ago
  You'd knock? Depending on our relationship I'd just leave. Especially after being asked to take a photo - I already dislike video doorbells but sending a picture via an app where it will be stored for who knows how long is not something I'll go along with.
  - JohnFen 2y ago
    I answered assuming that the house belongs to a friend or loved one, or that I have some important reason I want the occupant's immediate attention. In those situations, I'd knock. I do very strongly prefer a QR code thing to something like a Ring (as long as the QR code isn't going to a service such as Ring), though, but neither is better than knocking.
  - grvdrm 2y ago
    Dislike why?
    - JohnFen 2y ago
      I dislike them because the odds are overwhelming that they're sending the video off to some company I don't trust. I'm pretty averse to being spied on (especially by companies), even in relatively innocuous ways. I don't like even being in neighborhoods where these things are in common use. Privacy issues aside, I take a prevalence of surveillance systems as an indication that the area they're in is an undesirable place to be. Either it's actually dangerous, or the people living in them think it's dangerous. Either way, that's a bad sign.
      - grvdrm 2y ago
        Hm. I think a lot of new homes (around me) have cameras. Just built with them by developer/etc. I have cameras around the outside of my house. Not worried about crime (despite it seeming otherwise). I don't look at the video feed when people ring my doorbell. Cameras have been helpful: - Someone accidentally backed into my house. Camera caught it. - Something was delivered that required my attention. Was able to walk back from another house to meet them (knowing they were at my door) - Check out branches/etc. falling on my cars during high wind
niggcoza 2y ago
[dead]
rahimnathwani 2y ago
I thought about keeping my existing doorbell button and chime, but adding an ESP32 plus hall effect sensor, to detect when the doorbell chime is being powered and trigger a notification over wifi. It seems a bit convoluted, though. Is there a DPST momentary button I can use instead (removing the need for the hall effect sensor)? I searched on digikey but 'DPST momentary' came back with results that were too bare (just the button), expensive ($50 per unit) and had a long lead time (8 weeks).
- tofof 2y ago
  Why would you use a hall effect sensor at all, or a dpst for that matter? You just need two resistors. Just tap the dc leg between the bell and the chime into a voltage divider - for a 16V doorbell to a 3.3V esp32 io pin, r1=15k and r2=3.3k is exact - and you're done.
  - rahimnathwani 2y ago
    Thanks. This makes much more sense.
  - tzs 2y ago
    How common is DC in home doorbell systems? Most doorbell wiring diagrams I've seen in the US show systems that appear to be all AC.
dirkc 2y ago
Reading through the comments I realize the subheading on the site is not sending the right message: > Replace your doorbell with a QR code The purpose of the app is to create a doorbell for instances/contexts where there isn't one. Not to replace currently working doorbells.
- HPsquared 2y ago
  "Print out your own virtual doorbell!"
- deleted 2y ago
  [deleted]
- turtlebits 2y ago
  Knock? Even if there is a doorbell, I prefer to knock as it's less disruptive.
tln 2y ago
Interesting idea... Cheap wireless doorbell is $5 delivered from Amazon. That's your biggest competition for the straightforward case. And that's easier to install, and easier to use. There are plenty of scenarios where a Qr -> optional form -> notification is useful, eg hosting an event -- so maybe explore/emphasize those rather than the simple approach. Fighting abuse and the resulting customer service, bad reviews, etc will be a constant drain/challenge. There might be some market overlap with generic notification apps like Pushover.
- dirkc 2y ago
  Thanks, that's good feedback!
- ramses0 2y ago
  I'm actually your target market here, but I want to replace my old exterior garage-door keypad with a (weather-protected) QR code. Same same, but text/twilio/home-assistant URL to allow me to trigger/confirm the garage door opening, probably IFTT. Agree also with the "scan this code when you arrive to the party" => are you here? Y/N => notification. Pop a geo-permissions prompt and geo-fence "YES" in certain cases, and you're getting somewhere.
  - rootusrootus 2y ago
    For your own garage door, if you are going to need your phone anyway to scan the code, why not just use regular automation tools? I.e. Just press a button on your home screen and you're done. Something like Home Assistant can do that easily enough.
    - ramses0 2y ago
      It's the "external user" use case, and a case of the over-complicators gloves... instead of changing the 9v battery in that box every "$N" years, put a QR code up that gives you the regular pin pad thing and then triggers HA in the back end. (that's why I suggested "IFTTT" integration). Obviously there's 100's of easier ways to manage things which is why I haven't done anything on it yet. It just seemed like an adjacent use-case worth sharing to the creator. I'm not wiring up a "doorbell" to my back garage, but popping an "approve/deny" thing that eventually hits an API endpoint or IFTTT integration (with geo-location?) isn't that far off from what he has and is an entirely different value-prop of utility.
oefrha 2y ago
I don’t see this as a doorbell, I see it as a QR code that can be trivially reproduced and used to trigger notifications on your phone by anyone from anywhere at any time, basically completely anonymously. Not a great idea.
stainablesteel 2y ago
this seems silly seeing as you need an internet connection to access whether the doorbell has been rung, you may as well connect a physical doorbell to an app that monitors this and gives you a notification on your phone without the need for a QR code the QR code is just a hassle
sureIy 2y ago
This feels like a mocking app of today's Reddit post requiring an app to operate an elevator. Kinda silly in any case. If you want to use a QR, just point it to your phone number so I can call you and talk to you.
G_o_D 2y ago
Rather use NFC TAG, INSTEAD SCANNING QR REQUIRES SPECIFIC APP, HELL EVEN IN 2024 I DONT KNOW HOW TO SCAN QR WITHOUT 3RD PARTY APP, AND I HAVE GOOGLE LENS AND RELATED APPS DISABLED
- rvnx 2y ago
  Click the Camera app, then point at the QR code and press the link
G_o_D 2y ago
Rather use NFC TAG,
ovi256 2y ago
My old fantasy of "scan an NFC tag and it brings up an UI on your phone to do things to the machine bearing the tag" applies here too. Easily add a control panel to machines that can't easily have one (because of cost etc). Or a debugging panel for improved UX over the usual "three LEDs giving you a code you have to look up in the user manual". NFC is better UX (less user taps). For an easy PoC, make an NFC tag that connects you to an SSID and opens the captive portal usually used for Wi-Fi auth as the control panel.
G_o_D 2y ago
Also there are rfid based smart stickers with microconteoplers abailable
voytec 2y ago
You're focusing on an app, instead of ringing person's UX and _the_ doorbell itself. My suggestion: find a niche, like a doorbell for hearing impaired home owners. Otherwise you'll be recreating Nest. Google won't buy identical product twice, to kill it. A generic Nest-like product has little chances to take over the market. A button feels more natural and is much more approachable over an QR code. QR may be a nice fail-over for when no one is opening the door in reaction to knocking or pushing a button. But QR as the main method? Maybe for evolving markets or harsh neighborhoods where wireless doorbells get stolen - if that's even a thing. You're looking into providing value to home-owners, by making it easier for someone outside their homes. In most cases this dumb button that makes some sound inside the house just works. Little area for improvement here, for most people. Your potential market for people willing to stick a QR code on their door are: > "I'm hearing-impaired. Please use below QR code if I don't hear you knock" > "I'm not opening? chat with me here [QR code]" ↑ this is your potential target. You already see that most comments in this thread tell you that people don't want QR codes on their doors. You have an idea for a solution still looking for a problem. Accessibility around hearing loss may be one. You can help people. And from a business perspective, you may be able to get government grants for such project, which may be better for you than crowd-sourcing. And, you may get customers who get their purchases partially covered by gov health programs, if you properly interact with related accessibility-related gov bodies (YMMV around the world of course), apply for getting your stuff assessed for free advertisements inside hearing loss-related clinics etc. And again - you can make a product that makes impaired folks' lives better. Win-win. There are multiple ESP32-based doorbell projects (I like this one[0]) that can be expanded easily with code changes. I can't really see how a QR code is better. Make your product either equally interesting to public or covering some niche use-case. And again: Nest... [0] https://tristam.ie/2023/758/ https://tristam.ie/2023/758/
saaaaaam 2y ago
Hey! Welcome, valued visitor! You’ll notice I don’t appear to have a doorbell. Don’t worry, this is for your convenience and mine. If I’m out and about you’ll be able to contact me, and I can tell you that I’m unable to answer the door right now but I value your visit. All in real time! Let’s get started: simply solve the puzzle below. The solution will let you work out the code to unlock the box next to my door. When you unlock the box scan the QR code inside, which will allow you to connect to my WiFi guest network. Once you’re connected scan the second QR code to open the virtual doorbell selector. You can then select the appropriate message for your visit. Unable to connect? Simply knock on the door and wait. If I’m home I’ll surely answer soon enough. If I’m not home or don’t want to be disturbed you should use your own judgement: if it’s urgent trying shouting through the letterbox, or maybe wait a while and then return later!
- isoprophlex 2y ago
  Your privacy is important to us! All interactions with this QR code doorbell are recorded for the purpose of training and quality improvement. If you do not want your data to be stored, please opt out by scanning the second QR code below the QR code doorbell. This doorbell uses cookies to enhance your bell ringing experience. Using the QR code doorbell implies your consent to the use of cookies and similar technology. To reject the use of cookies and similar technologies, please scan the third QR code below the QR code doorbell.
- dirkc 2y ago
  In the right circumstances that sounds like fun - a mini escape room before you can visit your friend :)
  - saaaaaam 2y ago
    I’m wearing mittens >:-#
turtlebits 2y ago
Why does this need an app? Why not just send me a text, or better, yet just an SMSTO link? (ie SMSTO:+1123456:Open the door!)
flkiwi 2y ago
As a hack, this is great. As a thing I would actually use? Very, very unlikely. - I would never use a random QR code in public and I wouldn’t ask anyone else to. - Pranking seems like an issue. - If I know someone, they’ll text me they’ve arrived. If I don’t know someone, there are two main cases: delivery person, who is going to pound the door and leave immediately (and I’ll get a notification of delivery); and religious proselytizers, political door-knockers, and solar company sales people, none of whom I care remotely about talking to. Again, as a project, this is delightful. But as a thing to incorporate into my home, I can’t see the use case. EDIT: Also, criminals. They’re not going to use a QR code to see if I’m home.
andrewstuart 2y ago
I went down a rabbit hole several years ago with this concept. I built much of the code front end and back end then abandoned it because I just could not summon the belief in the idea as a startup. I was focused on QR codes as entry points to buildings and companies, with integrated guest book functionality. This was pre-covid so QR codes had not yet become something everyone knew how to drive and mobile phone implementation was not yet universal. Also being pre-covid every still went to the office to go to work. I came up with many names and registered many domains I think one of them was paperdoorbell.com and many other such variants.
coretx 2y ago
It has been a while since a _useful_ new app came along! Thank you, i appreciate it to the point I'd be willing to pay for it. Feedback: Teach people to never ever scan a QR code if they don't know for a fact who created it. For if you don't, you'll be part of the crowd who is conditioning people to scan all the QR codes they can find without thinking...
anon115 2y ago
if you improve the UX on this thing I think im not a businessmen but i think you would be competing against 'Ring'
weiwio 2y ago
It made me immediately think of the sign in and sign out QR code for my kid's preschool haha. Interesting idea!
qkhhly 2y ago
I have a better idea: using a QR code as your door key. * Install a lock that does not have any external mechanism to unlock it. No key holes, no password pad, nothing. So there will be no lock picking in any way. * Use your peep hole as a camera. * Show a QR code to said camera. * Door unlocks if QR code is correct.
- otterley 2y ago
  What's the failsafe mode? (e.g. battery is dead, mechanism fails, etc.)
  - xnyan 2y ago
    Kicking the door in is surprisingly easy in the US where most doors are framed in soft pine, if that does not work an angle grinder and a sufficient supply of discs can (eventually) cut through anything.
    - otterley 2y ago
      That seems like a very expensive repair following a failure.
  - qkhhly 2y ago
    what is the failsafe mode if you lost all your keys, or forget your password, or fingerprint reader runs out of battery? same thing applies here.
    - otterley 2y ago
      With a typical smart lock, the failsafe mode for the battery dying or forgetting your password is a backup key. The failsafe mode for losing a backup key is getting a locksmith to come out and fashion you a new key.
      - qkhhly 2y ago
        if a locksmith can open your door, others can, too. in this rare event, i think brute force is an acceptable price to pay for the extra security.
dankwizard 2y ago
I'm hoping this is satire because if not it is legitimately one of the worst ideas I have seen.
solarized 2y ago
I’m sorry. I’m just frustrated enough scanning the QR code in the restaurant. Now I have to scan another QR code just to meet you? I prefer looking for new friends.
pepa65 2y ago
The one thing I do not appreciate about this Show HN is that there is no repo linked. I do NOT want to install any apps, I just want to build something like this without becoming someone's customer... I guess my implementation would just be sending a notification to my phone on a messaging platform, or send an email. Maybe use https://ntfy.sh https://ntfy.sh and the more generic app to get these notifications.
- dddw 2y ago
  My first reaction too was, hey I could do this with ntfy.sh
roydivision 2y ago
The bubble you live in that makes you think this is a good idea. Sheesh.
uean 2y ago
I know this won’t enrich the conversation much, but here’s a Reddit link to the comments showing “normal folk” reactions to a QR code on a door. https://reddit.nerdvpn.de/r/mildlyinfuriating/comments/1gg37bm/couldnt_you_just_have_printed_the_hours_on_here/ https://reddit.nerdvpn.de/r/mildlyinfuriating/comments/1gg37...
mazahermuraj 2y ago
Sounds like a cool and novel idea. But I can imagine this becoming a remote version of that knock-door-and-run game - ding dong dash! Wish you the best with it though. Could catch on

140 points by dirkc 2y ago

123pie123 2y ago

>Having a doorbell does not need to be complicated. I'm not sure if your and my definition of complicated are the same in this case

dirkc 2y ago
True. What are you comparing it to if I may ask - a traditional doorbell or a modern smart doorbell?
- block_dagger 2y ago
  A knock.
- themoonisachees 2y ago
  The user interface for a doorbell (smart or dumb) is a a single button that you press, with your finger. Compare that to take out my phone, find a way to scan a qr code, scan it, install an app (?!?!), press a single button with my finger, on the app. This is even supposing that I want to do that to begin with (I know for sure delivery drivers are never doing it). Good job on the project, I really mean it. It doesn't matter what you do, it matters that you've achieved it and for that, congrats. But as a practical semi-object, this has to be one of the worst ways possible to solve the problem.
  - dirkc 2y ago
    That is a valid point. The visitor does not need to install the app, but it's still more complicated than pushing a button. From the owner's perspective I imagine it's at least a little bit simpler to install an app and put up a QR code. Although if they have to print it out themselves I guess all bets are off. > Good job on the project, I really mean it. It doesn't matter what you do, it matters that you've achieved it and for that, congrats. But as a practical semi-object, this has to be one of the worst ways possible to solve the problem. Thank you, those are kind words. I doubt that this is the worst possible way in every context, but working towards better solutions is why we share stuff and ask/give feedback :)
- sebtron 2y ago
  Just curious, what does a "modern smart doorbell" do exactly?
  - nkozyra 2y ago
    Typically transmit video to phones, which is also pretty trivial with about $20 of hardware.
- thomascountz 2y ago
  A text or call on said smartphone.
deleted 2y ago
[deleted]
atoav 2y ago
That was my exact first thought. That seems to be a lot more complicated than a traditional bell, except for the fact that you don't have to run two wires there (a thing most places will already have there). I mean this could be a okay solution for a very certain set of circumstances, but making your visitors scan a QR-Code seems like bad UX, why not have them fill out a form while you're at it? If I had a situation where it was impossible to run wires through the wall I'd install a old-school knocker on the door and a knock sensor on the inside. UX is intuitive and the knock sensor can still send me things to the phone if I like that.
- gregmac 2y ago
  > If I had a situation where it was impossible to run wires through the wall ... Wireless doorbells can be found for tens of dollars. You can get them with multiple receivers you can place around your house.
- pepa65 2y ago
  We have a 40 yard driveway up a hill and trees in the line of sight. I am going to try this, as it will add another option of contacting us.

iamjfu 2y ago

Nice work! I wonder if instead of complexity you should call this a cheaper alternative to a smart doorbell? I don't think many of us think of smart doorbells as particularly complex. However, they could be out of budget for many. Alternatively, you could market as privacy respecting, where a smart doorbell is always recording.

dirkc 2y ago
Thank you! Those are good points. I'm still trying to figure out what the differentiating factor is for other people. For me it's the ease with which I can replace a QR and receiving a notification even when I'm not home

fph 2y ago

Is there a captcha, or can people ding-dong-ditch you from a continent apart?

mingusrude 2y ago
This is a good feature enhancement, to check the location of the ding-donging party.
- nkozyra 2y ago
  Though since it's trivial spoofed I don't know why you'd bother. Something like this really needs a periodic refresh or some proximity proof like NFC.
  - swah 2y ago
    At this point just knock!
    - Towaway69 2y ago
      Crazy the doorbell replaced knocking and now the internet is replacing doorbells. Who invented doors? Perhaps that’s where it all went wrong. /s
    - nkozyra 2y ago
      We're willing to offer a $7M seed at a $50M valuation for your knock technology.
      - Dilettante_ 2y ago
        Something something Knockchain
      - dirkc 2y ago
        Only if you knock technology uses AI :)

danhau 2y ago

I love this sort of thing, very cool idea. I think it makes for a great weekend project to implement something similar yourself.

dirkc 2y ago
Agreed, if you're into hacking your own doorbell, there are a lot of really cool examples online of projects people have done. I'm considering setting up an ESP to integrate my old bell's chime with the QR code.

dghf 2y ago

This does seem like it might be prone to pranksters copying a particular doorbell code and putting it outside someone else's house (or several houses), distributing fake flyers that include it ("Scan here for a chance to win a cruise!"), and so forth.

nkozyra 2y ago
My immediate thought was: get an esp32 with an eink display and regenerate the code every ten minutes, but of course we've left the extremely easy realm quickly. But I agree I wouldn't want a static QR code linked to anything that could bother me.
- atoav 2y ago
  Then, why not hook up a button to said ESP32 and improve the UX by multiple magnitudes? Oh.
  - cinntaile 2y ago
    I know I know. The QR link can resolve to a captcha/puzzle that needs to be solved before it actually rings!
    - nkozyra 2y ago
      Also we'll serve ads on it.
      - kfarr 2y ago
        Choose the quarter pounder in all of the photos…
        dirkc 2y ago
        It will use a LLM to interview you and decide if you are allowed to ring the doorbell

GJim 2y ago

"R2-D2 you know better than to trust a strange QR code". Scanning QR codes outside a trusted environment (e.g. a workplace stock keeping system) is asking for trouble. Security advice now routinely recommends not deploying QR codes on your products, nor encouraging your employees/users to scan strange codes. It's like 1995 all over again. EDIT: In response to doubters below https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cz472gy8nd9o https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cz472gy8nd9o Besides, to paraphrase Dubya: "Goatse me once, shame on...shame on you. Goatse me—you can't get goastsie'd again."

echoangle 2y ago
Why do I hear this so often? Isn’t the risk exactly the same as clicking random links on the internet? Do you do a background check before opening an external link to a story on hacker news? The risk is exactly the same as when you scan a random QR code.
- TrianguloY 2y ago
  Qrs may have other data, not only links, and there is always the extra (but minimal) risk of a vulnerability in the qr reader itself. Other than that, it's the same as clicking a link on an email, yes.
- pacifika 2y ago
  You can hover over a link to see the destination, this isn’t always possible with a qr code as it depends on the client app
  - gruez 2y ago
    How many people actually hover/long press every link before clicking, especially on sites with UGC that allow for link spoofing (eg. <a href="http://evil.example">http://site.example</a> http://evil.example">http://site.example</a>)? If you're paranoid to do that, you can probably figure out how to audit qr codes before opening them. On iOS it's trivial to make one in Shortcuts. On Android, Firefox confirms the link before opening.

Waterluvian 2y ago

I unwired my doorbell and never looked back. It’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made about my house. If you get past the FOMO you might love it too. Why does the world get an interrupt button for your home?

sam29681749 2y ago
Visitors?
ndsipa_pomu 2y ago
A doorbell is just an easier and more polite version of knocking on your door. Do you also do something to prevent people from knocking on your door (e.g. a pit trap in front of it)?
- Waterluvian 2y ago
  Yeah but there’s a slide down to the ball pit.
  - ndsipa_pomu 2y ago
    That sounds fun. Any problems with it filling up on Halloween or do you just empty it often?
    - Waterluvian 2y ago
      There's a "Complaints" button that opens another trap door to another ball pit. It's actually ball pits all the way down (though to be perfectly honest I haven't tested). What's important is that I haven't received a single complaint.
- ChoGGi 2y ago
  Probably the same thing I did, left the button. It's a lot more peaceful not having random people bother me at home.

pratibha_simone 2y ago

I would want a NFC one tbh.

pepa65 2y ago
What would that really look like?? People need to have something in advance to ring your bell?

sam29681749 2y ago

What's the advantage of this over a traditional doorbell + a phone (which everyone already has)? If I'm home, I can hear them. If I'm not, they can just message/call me.

master-lincoln 2y ago
Traditional doorbell needs an electrically powered button on the exterior. Phone needs visitor to have your private contact info or you would need to publicly add a note with that to your door.
- sam29681749 2y ago
  If you don't want to use electricity, you can have a knock. What reason would you want to be notified of unknown visitors knocking on your doors when you're away? The only people I can see fitting this description are delivery drivers & salesmen? Further, what if you're home and your phone is in another room, is on silent, or is dead? What is you have a spouse or housemate? Do both of you get notified? And there's also a subset of people who get frustrated by having to use QR codes in restaurants, who I suspect would be equally frustrated by this.
- eesmith 2y ago
  There are battery powered remote doorbell buttons. Eg, $29 at Ace Hardware, with a 100 foot range - https://www.acehardware.com/departments/hardware/safety-and-security/doorbell-and-accessories/3318276 https://www.acehardware.com/departments/hardware/safety-and-... . Also, a real traditional doorbell is mechanically coupled to the bell, with no electricity at all.
- ale42 2y ago
  QR solution needs the visitor to (a) have a smartphone with charged battery and (b) Internet connectivity. Quite common, but wont work for everybody.
  - sam29681749 2y ago
    Grandma delivering cookies is out of luck. To be fair, if you don't have a phone you could just knock. But then you could just knock to begin with.

edent 2y ago

This is a brilliant idea! Love the "take a photo" at the start. I assume (if you answer) it will go through WebRTC? Might be nice to play a "ding dong" sound in the browser?

dirkc 2y ago
Currently it isn't doing WebRTC, but that is the idea. Although I'm not sure if I want to add audio and/or video?

NKosmatos 2y ago

Good for you that you build your first mobile app(s) and for having an inventive mind, but please be aware that there are many many "bad" people out there that will abuse/prank/exploit simple ideas like yours. Keep yourself safe and don't allow people to disturb you in ways you haven't imagined. Unfortunately this is the state of the world right now :-(

dirkc 2y ago
Thanks for you concern. I need to look into different safeguards to prevent abuse. Right now I'm trying to see if there is at least some use

riiii 2y ago

Doorbell URL: https://dingdongdoorbell.com/bells/5muj34dpDCzdyABV/ https://dingdongdoorbell.com/bells/5muj34dpDCzdyABV/

langsoul-com 2y ago

Nfc touch doorbell would also be cool. Though, I do feel it's too technically advanced for most people to use.

dirkc 2y ago
That would be cool - the QR could also be a RFID tag. But like you mention, that would also be more advanced

deleted 2y ago

[deleted]

severak_cz 2y ago

Feedback: Bad UX. After scanning your example code I got page which asked me to take photo and I get really confused because I thought you want me to scan QR code again but there is no way to switch to other camera of my phone. Overall this feels too complicated. Unfriendly to people without smartphone or mobile internet. I understand this is DIY equivalent of camera doorbell, but I would definitely prefer some no-name chinese radio doorbell both as one ringing and maintaining it.

dirkc 2y ago
Thanks for the feedback. I agree that the UX needs lots of improving - I'm wondering if more instructions on the QR code or the page for the doorbell would work better? While a cheap radio doorbell might be better in many cases, there are still circumstances where it's not suitable. I'm trying to figure out which those are?
- gruez 2y ago
  >I'm wondering if more instructions on the QR code or the page for the doorbell would work better? In general you should display a prompt explaining why a permission is needed (eg. "we need access to your camera to camera to take a picture to send to the owner, click allow on the next screen to allow."), and only ask for permissions after the user accepts the first prompt. However in this particular case you shouldn't have to request camera access directly. Using <input type="file" accept="image/*" capture="user> will display an system interface (ie. from the browser or OS) to allow the user to take/select an existing picture. It also already has preview and front/back camera selector built in, so you don't have to implement that yourself. https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTML/Attributes/capture https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTML/Attributes...
  - dylan604 2y ago
    If you're at the point of asking permissions, might as well grab the location data as well. You could then verify that the person hitting the QR code is actually on your front step which would eliminate all of the false positives like the replay attacks, copies being used in other locations, etc.

AndrewOMartin 2y ago

I think I walked past this in a European capital city, could that have been your doorbell (city not specified for obvious reasons)? Or are other people already using this?

dirkc 2y ago
I doubt that it was one of mine, I'm much further south. I'd be very curious to hear more about it
- AndrewOMartin 2y ago
  I think it was this: https://www.reddit.com/r/iiiiiiitttttttttttt/comments/tam0yi/someone_thought_this_was_a_marketable_idea_a/ https://www.reddit.com/r/iiiiiiitttttttttttt/comments/tam0yi...

jillesvangurp 2y ago

I recently visited a friend in Finland. In Finland it's common for apartments to not have doorbells downstairs. Instead the door has a pincode that people use to get in which are typically shared with friends when you invite them. Except those pin codes are now commonly disabled for security reasons. So, I was waiting downstairs wondering what to do and in the end just called my friend after which he came downstairs to open the door. That works of course but a QR code would be a good alternative. Even if it just contained a tel:// link with the phone number. I love QR codes for low tech solutions like this. This stuff doesn't have to be hard. And you don't even need an app for this. Just print your own code with your phone number, email address, etc. (from any of a vast number of web based generators) and put it near the door with some instructions.

nabla9 2y ago

Choose better UX design. 1. Get a QR code to put at your door 2. Visitors scan the QR code using their smartphone camera 3. Get a notification on your phone wherever you are! OR 1. Install doorbell at your door. 2. Visitors press the doorbell using any of their extremities. 3. Get a notification on your phone wherever you are!

Weetile 2y ago
Not to mention a QR code excludes many people such as children and the elderly who might not have phones
- dirkc 2y ago
  Good point, I'm hoping that this increases access rather than decrease it. In my neighborhood there are plenty of homes without doorbells.
  - saaaaaam 2y ago
    Maybe those people don’t want people to bother them. I keep the buzzer in my apartment turned off a lot of the time because random people buzz it trying to deliver things to my neighbours. We have a concierge desk for that.
quesera 2y ago
I probably agree with your premise (it's not clear), but: Scenario 1 (QR code) puts 100% of the infrastructure on the client (visitor) side, and scenario 2 (Nest, Ring, etc) puts 100% of the infrastructure on the server (resident) side. [Edit: strained metaphor perhaps, and yes both scenarios require connectivity infrastructure] So these are completely different methods of achieving the same goal, and there are easily imaginable cases where one scenario would be preferable over the other. Usually, server-side makes the most sense. Certainly in the case of a traditional wired or wireless dumb doorbell, it's simpler. But there are cases where server-side is difficult or impossible, especially if you want "smart" features like photos or routing or two-way interaction. Higher cost, permission from property owner if renting, etc. Pushing the infrastructure to client-side solves these problems. Most users will have the client infrastructure in their pocket already. No wires. No new piece of hardware to maintain, repair, keep charged, etc.

voytec 2y ago

I can see some potential for people with hearing loss. I've seen apartments and houses of such folks, with some small dedicated bulbs or even normal ceiling lights flashing furiously on all over the house upon someone ringing the doorbell. A doorbell signaling smartphones, making smart wrist watches vibrate etc, could be reasonable in such cases. But it could be still a plain uncomplicated button next to the door.

dirkc 2y ago
Thanks, I haven't heard that perspective before.
account42 2y ago
A "smart" doorbell that can notify you in various ways makes sense - even without hearing loss you may not always be able to hear the doorbell (headphones). Expecting guests and random strangers to go out of their way to accomodate that is not ideal. I don't know how I would react if I had to scan a QR code to ring a doorbell but chances are I would leave.

ale42 2y ago

Now someone might want to check for neighbors having such QR codes on their doors and replace them with QR serving ads (and accessorily ring the "bell" application), or just with something unrelated (like a page to install a rogue app). On a side note, a delivery person might actually not want to scan the QR code because (a) if you do this all the day long, it take much more time than pushing doorbell buttons, and (b) if they use their professional devices to do this, they might either have that URL blocked, or scanning a "random" QR code might be against their company's policies because it might expose them to security risks (imagine a phishing page with the login interface of the delivery company, or a site serving malware).

xyst 2y ago

iOS debuted a feature called “App Clips” awhile ago (2020?) that would be perfect for this. Most phones have an NFC reader as well so should work with Android too. Similar concept: 1) person taps phone against “door bell” 2) sends notification to user(s) 3) optionally, send “selfie” IIRC, app clips needed to be very small in size. So something like this could work, even in low bandwidth situations (ie, poor signal strength)

dirkc 2y ago
Thanks for the suggestion! I understood "app clips" to be like notifications, but sounds like they are worth looking into.

zaxomi 2y ago

I wish my annoying neighbor would get this, because then I can post the code online and have the whole world knocking on his door at all hours of the day.

JohnFen 2y ago

Your house seems more welcoming with a QR code? Scanning it seems like a hassle for visitors. I'd probably just knock.

account42 2y ago
You'd knock? Depending on our relationship I'd just leave. Especially after being asked to take a photo - I already dislike video doorbells but sending a picture via an app where it will be stored for who knows how long is not something I'll go along with.
- JohnFen 2y ago
  I answered assuming that the house belongs to a friend or loved one, or that I have some important reason I want the occupant's immediate attention. In those situations, I'd knock. I do very strongly prefer a QR code thing to something like a Ring (as long as the QR code isn't going to a service such as Ring), though, but neither is better than knocking.
- grvdrm 2y ago
  Dislike why?
  - JohnFen 2y ago
    I dislike them because the odds are overwhelming that they're sending the video off to some company I don't trust. I'm pretty averse to being spied on (especially by companies), even in relatively innocuous ways. I don't like even being in neighborhoods where these things are in common use. Privacy issues aside, I take a prevalence of surveillance systems as an indication that the area they're in is an undesirable place to be. Either it's actually dangerous, or the people living in them think it's dangerous. Either way, that's a bad sign.
    - grvdrm 2y ago
      Hm. I think a lot of new homes (around me) have cameras. Just built with them by developer/etc. I have cameras around the outside of my house. Not worried about crime (despite it seeming otherwise). I don't look at the video feed when people ring my doorbell. Cameras have been helpful: - Someone accidentally backed into my house. Camera caught it. - Something was delivered that required my attention. Was able to walk back from another house to meet them (knowing they were at my door) - Check out branches/etc. falling on my cars during high wind

niggcoza 2y ago

[dead]

rahimnathwani 2y ago

I thought about keeping my existing doorbell button and chime, but adding an ESP32 plus hall effect sensor, to detect when the doorbell chime is being powered and trigger a notification over wifi. It seems a bit convoluted, though. Is there a DPST momentary button I can use instead (removing the need for the hall effect sensor)? I searched on digikey but 'DPST momentary' came back with results that were too bare (just the button), expensive ($50 per unit) and had a long lead time (8 weeks).

tofof 2y ago
Why would you use a hall effect sensor at all, or a dpst for that matter? You just need two resistors. Just tap the dc leg between the bell and the chime into a voltage divider - for a 16V doorbell to a 3.3V esp32 io pin, r1=15k and r2=3.3k is exact - and you're done.
- rahimnathwani 2y ago
  Thanks. This makes much more sense.
- tzs 2y ago
  How common is DC in home doorbell systems? Most doorbell wiring diagrams I've seen in the US show systems that appear to be all AC.

dirkc 2y ago

Reading through the comments I realize the subheading on the site is not sending the right message: > Replace your doorbell with a QR code The purpose of the app is to create a doorbell for instances/contexts where there isn't one. Not to replace currently working doorbells.

HPsquared 2y ago
"Print out your own virtual doorbell!"
deleted 2y ago
[deleted]
turtlebits 2y ago
Knock? Even if there is a doorbell, I prefer to knock as it's less disruptive.

tln 2y ago

Interesting idea... Cheap wireless doorbell is $5 delivered from Amazon. That's your biggest competition for the straightforward case. And that's easier to install, and easier to use. There are plenty of scenarios where a Qr -> optional form -> notification is useful, eg hosting an event -- so maybe explore/emphasize those rather than the simple approach. Fighting abuse and the resulting customer service, bad reviews, etc will be a constant drain/challenge. There might be some market overlap with generic notification apps like Pushover.

dirkc 2y ago
Thanks, that's good feedback!
ramses0 2y ago
I'm actually your target market here, but I want to replace my old exterior garage-door keypad with a (weather-protected) QR code. Same same, but text/twilio/home-assistant URL to allow me to trigger/confirm the garage door opening, probably IFTT. Agree also with the "scan this code when you arrive to the party" => are you here? Y/N => notification. Pop a geo-permissions prompt and geo-fence "YES" in certain cases, and you're getting somewhere.
- rootusrootus 2y ago
  For your own garage door, if you are going to need your phone anyway to scan the code, why not just use regular automation tools? I.e. Just press a button on your home screen and you're done. Something like Home Assistant can do that easily enough.
  - ramses0 2y ago
    It's the "external user" use case, and a case of the over-complicators gloves... instead of changing the 9v battery in that box every "$N" years, put a QR code up that gives you the regular pin pad thing and then triggers HA in the back end. (that's why I suggested "IFTTT" integration). Obviously there's 100's of easier ways to manage things which is why I haven't done anything on it yet. It just seemed like an adjacent use-case worth sharing to the creator. I'm not wiring up a "doorbell" to my back garage, but popping an "approve/deny" thing that eventually hits an API endpoint or IFTTT integration (with geo-location?) isn't that far off from what he has and is an entirely different value-prop of utility.

oefrha 2y ago

I don’t see this as a doorbell, I see it as a QR code that can be trivially reproduced and used to trigger notifications on your phone by anyone from anywhere at any time, basically completely anonymously. Not a great idea.

stainablesteel 2y ago

this seems silly seeing as you need an internet connection to access whether the doorbell has been rung, you may as well connect a physical doorbell to an app that monitors this and gives you a notification on your phone without the need for a QR code the QR code is just a hassle

sureIy 2y ago

This feels like a mocking app of today's Reddit post requiring an app to operate an elevator. Kinda silly in any case. If you want to use a QR, just point it to your phone number so I can call you and talk to you.

G_o_D 2y ago

Rather use NFC TAG, INSTEAD SCANNING QR REQUIRES SPECIFIC APP, HELL EVEN IN 2024 I DONT KNOW HOW TO SCAN QR WITHOUT 3RD PARTY APP, AND I HAVE GOOGLE LENS AND RELATED APPS DISABLED

rvnx 2y ago
Click the Camera app, then point at the QR code and press the link

G_o_D 2y ago

Rather use NFC TAG,

ovi256 2y ago

My old fantasy of "scan an NFC tag and it brings up an UI on your phone to do things to the machine bearing the tag" applies here too. Easily add a control panel to machines that can't easily have one (because of cost etc). Or a debugging panel for improved UX over the usual "three LEDs giving you a code you have to look up in the user manual". NFC is better UX (less user taps). For an easy PoC, make an NFC tag that connects you to an SSID and opens the captive portal usually used for Wi-Fi auth as the control panel.

G_o_D 2y ago

Also there are rfid based smart stickers with microconteoplers abailable

voytec 2y ago

You're focusing on an app, instead of ringing person's UX and _the_ doorbell itself. My suggestion: find a niche, like a doorbell for hearing impaired home owners. Otherwise you'll be recreating Nest. Google won't buy identical product twice, to kill it. A generic Nest-like product has little chances to take over the market. A button feels more natural and is much more approachable over an QR code. QR may be a nice fail-over for when no one is opening the door in reaction to knocking or pushing a button. But QR as the main method? Maybe for evolving markets or harsh neighborhoods where wireless doorbells get stolen - if that's even a thing. You're looking into providing value to home-owners, by making it easier for someone outside their homes. In most cases this dumb button that makes some sound inside the house just works. Little area for improvement here, for most people. Your potential market for people willing to stick a QR code on their door are: > "I'm hearing-impaired. Please use below QR code if I don't hear you knock" > "I'm not opening? chat with me here [QR code]" ↑ this is your potential target. You already see that most comments in this thread tell you that people don't want QR codes on their doors. You have an idea for a solution still looking for a problem. Accessibility around hearing loss may be one. You can help people. And from a business perspective, you may be able to get government grants for such project, which may be better for you than crowd-sourcing. And, you may get customers who get their purchases partially covered by gov health programs, if you properly interact with related accessibility-related gov bodies (YMMV around the world of course), apply for getting your stuff assessed for free advertisements inside hearing loss-related clinics etc. And again - you can make a product that makes impaired folks' lives better. Win-win. There are multiple ESP32-based doorbell projects (I like this one[0]) that can be expanded easily with code changes. I can't really see how a QR code is better. Make your product either equally interesting to public or covering some niche use-case. And again: Nest... [0] https://tristam.ie/2023/758/ https://tristam.ie/2023/758/

saaaaaam 2y ago

Hey! Welcome, valued visitor! You’ll notice I don’t appear to have a doorbell. Don’t worry, this is for your convenience and mine. If I’m out and about you’ll be able to contact me, and I can tell you that I’m unable to answer the door right now but I value your visit. All in real time! Let’s get started: simply solve the puzzle below. The solution will let you work out the code to unlock the box next to my door. When you unlock the box scan the QR code inside, which will allow you to connect to my WiFi guest network. Once you’re connected scan the second QR code to open the virtual doorbell selector. You can then select the appropriate message for your visit. Unable to connect? Simply knock on the door and wait. If I’m home I’ll surely answer soon enough. If I’m not home or don’t want to be disturbed you should use your own judgement: if it’s urgent trying shouting through the letterbox, or maybe wait a while and then return later!

isoprophlex 2y ago
Your privacy is important to us! All interactions with this QR code doorbell are recorded for the purpose of training and quality improvement. If you do not want your data to be stored, please opt out by scanning the second QR code below the QR code doorbell. This doorbell uses cookies to enhance your bell ringing experience. Using the QR code doorbell implies your consent to the use of cookies and similar technology. To reject the use of cookies and similar technologies, please scan the third QR code below the QR code doorbell.
dirkc 2y ago
In the right circumstances that sounds like fun - a mini escape room before you can visit your friend :)
- saaaaaam 2y ago
  I’m wearing mittens >:-#

turtlebits 2y ago

Why does this need an app? Why not just send me a text, or better, yet just an SMSTO link? (ie SMSTO:+1123456:Open the door!)

flkiwi 2y ago

As a hack, this is great. As a thing I would actually use? Very, very unlikely. - I would never use a random QR code in public and I wouldn’t ask anyone else to. - Pranking seems like an issue. - If I know someone, they’ll text me they’ve arrived. If I don’t know someone, there are two main cases: delivery person, who is going to pound the door and leave immediately (and I’ll get a notification of delivery); and religious proselytizers, political door-knockers, and solar company sales people, none of whom I care remotely about talking to. Again, as a project, this is delightful. But as a thing to incorporate into my home, I can’t see the use case. EDIT: Also, criminals. They’re not going to use a QR code to see if I’m home.

andrewstuart 2y ago

I went down a rabbit hole several years ago with this concept. I built much of the code front end and back end then abandoned it because I just could not summon the belief in the idea as a startup. I was focused on QR codes as entry points to buildings and companies, with integrated guest book functionality. This was pre-covid so QR codes had not yet become something everyone knew how to drive and mobile phone implementation was not yet universal. Also being pre-covid every still went to the office to go to work. I came up with many names and registered many domains I think one of them was paperdoorbell.com and many other such variants.

coretx 2y ago

It has been a while since a _useful_ new app came along! Thank you, i appreciate it to the point I'd be willing to pay for it. Feedback: Teach people to never ever scan a QR code if they don't know for a fact who created it. For if you don't, you'll be part of the crowd who is conditioning people to scan all the QR codes they can find without thinking...

anon115 2y ago

if you improve the UX on this thing I think im not a businessmen but i think you would be competing against 'Ring'

weiwio 2y ago

It made me immediately think of the sign in and sign out QR code for my kid's preschool haha. Interesting idea!

qkhhly 2y ago

I have a better idea: using a QR code as your door key. * Install a lock that does not have any external mechanism to unlock it. No key holes, no password pad, nothing. So there will be no lock picking in any way. * Use your peep hole as a camera. * Show a QR code to said camera. * Door unlocks if QR code is correct.

otterley 2y ago
What's the failsafe mode? (e.g. battery is dead, mechanism fails, etc.)
- xnyan 2y ago
  Kicking the door in is surprisingly easy in the US where most doors are framed in soft pine, if that does not work an angle grinder and a sufficient supply of discs can (eventually) cut through anything.
  - otterley 2y ago
    That seems like a very expensive repair following a failure.
- qkhhly 2y ago
  what is the failsafe mode if you lost all your keys, or forget your password, or fingerprint reader runs out of battery? same thing applies here.
  - otterley 2y ago
    With a typical smart lock, the failsafe mode for the battery dying or forgetting your password is a backup key. The failsafe mode for losing a backup key is getting a locksmith to come out and fashion you a new key.
    - qkhhly 2y ago
      if a locksmith can open your door, others can, too. in this rare event, i think brute force is an acceptable price to pay for the extra security.

dankwizard 2y ago

I'm hoping this is satire because if not it is legitimately one of the worst ideas I have seen.

solarized 2y ago

I’m sorry. I’m just frustrated enough scanning the QR code in the restaurant. Now I have to scan another QR code just to meet you? I prefer looking for new friends.

pepa65 2y ago

The one thing I do not appreciate about this Show HN is that there is no repo linked. I do NOT want to install any apps, I just want to build something like this without becoming someone's customer... I guess my implementation would just be sending a notification to my phone on a messaging platform, or send an email. Maybe use https://ntfy.sh https://ntfy.sh and the more generic app to get these notifications.

dddw 2y ago
My first reaction too was, hey I could do this with ntfy.sh

roydivision 2y ago

The bubble you live in that makes you think this is a good idea. Sheesh.

uean 2y ago

I know this won’t enrich the conversation much, but here’s a Reddit link to the comments showing “normal folk” reactions to a QR code on a door. https://reddit.nerdvpn.de/r/mildlyinfuriating/comments/1gg37bm/couldnt_you_just_have_printed_the_hours_on_here/ https://reddit.nerdvpn.de/r/mildlyinfuriating/comments/1gg37...

mazahermuraj 2y ago

Sounds like a cool and novel idea. But I can imagine this becoming a remote version of that knock-door-and-run game - ding dong dash! Wish you the best with it though. Could catch on