Adjusting proximity thresholds for activating a device user interface

A method of optimizing the operating modes of a smart-home device, the method comprising:

• detecting, using at least one sensor of the smart-home device, a presence of a user, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to detect a physical closeness of the user to the at least one sensor;
• determining, by control circuitry of the smart-home device, that the presence of the user caused a closeness threshold has been exceeded, the control circuitry being configured to be in operative communication with one or more environmental sensors for determining at least one environmental condition, the control circuitry being configured to be in operative communication with one or more input devices;
• causing, by the control circuitry, the smart-home device to transition from a first operating mode to a second operating mode in response to determining that the closeness threshold has been exceeded;
• and
• automatically adjusting, by the control circuitry, the closeness threshold based at least in part on a historical plurality of physical closeness events as detected by the at least one sensor.