Hello, fellow home addicts! I have been using Home Assistant for the past six months, and I am amazed by the community and the projects being built around it. Although I am not a web or backend programmer, I have a software development background and am interested in games, photography, and visuals. I decided to create a project that combines these interests with Home Assistant. The project is in its very early stages, but I should have an early access version ready soon for those interested in testing it out.
The project name “Sepiana” comes from “sepia” + “analog”, which refers to the vintage look and feel of the app. The app is not a “real dashboard” like Home Assistant or other dashboard projects, but it has its own unique twist for visualizing Home Assistant data.
Main Features (so far):
- Windows desktop application (macOS may come later) – preferably for a “gaming PC”
- Connects to Home Assistant via the WebSocket API
- Real-time data visualization only (no charts, maps, toggles, or other fancy stuff)
- Free camera movement and zooming, free placement of visual elements
- Customisable materials, colors, lights
- Analog-style gauges with customizable face textures, materials, and colors
- JSON-based configuration
- Focused on aesthetics and visual appeal, not on functionality
Storytelling
I chose an analog style because it is visually interesting and allows unlimited customization through face/dial textures. I took inspiration from vintage cars and photo modes available in many games. This project doesn’t replace real dashboards in any way, but it can be used as an additional visualisation to showcase your Home Assistant data.
Demo Version
Basic functionality is done, and I need to package, test, and document the app so that it can be installed and configured properly.
Roadmap / product vision
Add new visual elements that work best with real-time data: indicator lights, maybe toggles. Build “cinematics” for data visualization. Add camera effects/animation and a “photo mode” focused on storytelling and aesthetics.
Screenshots
Here is one screenshot as a teaser.
