Lets design switch buttons this time.
Instead of same old up/down switches, why not be there push buttons. But if we are going to make them push able, how would we know if its on or off? Simple. Add feedback lights. Green and Red.
With Sensor
These button would have an infrared or ultrasonic sensor for human presence detection in them would change the state according to sensor output.
ON: Stay Always ON. Sensor off
OFF: Stay OFF
AUTO: Use sensors to determine the state.
Without Sensor.
These would only have a push button. Pushing the button would toggle the state.
Either state would be represented by subtle color light aroud button.
Without Sensor. Heavey light.
Relative color light will be set in the button background.
But wouldn't it become irritating in night when you have illuminating buttons?