Most research in the field of ambient technology has been conducted in Western cultural spheres. In this paper, we want to explore potential approaches designers might take towards ambient systems in Asian contexts. We particularly aim at exploring the role of "ambience" in the development of such systems and analyzing how aesthetic factors vary depending on culture. We observed that efficiency and environmental factors influence design decisions and serve as feedback on smart technologies. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.