Abstract This paper showcases three selected student projects on adaptive kinetic facades (AKFs) from the design studio “Smart Shade”, highlighting their influence on visual comfort, an essential component of occupants’ wellbeing and energy efficiency. Three case studies employed a set of performance metrics to assess daylighting performance of AKF using ClimateStudio, a plug-in for Rhino exploring correlations between geometric parameters, such as size, shape and arrangement. Key metrics include illuminance, daylight availability, protection against glare and view to the outside. By examining these metrics collectively, the pedagogical approach aims at achieving a nuanced understanding of how different configurations of AKF can improve daylighting conditions, responding to varying external conditions and evolving user needs. Three different actuation methods, including cable-driven, self-locking gear mechanisms and snapping-induced motion, have been integrated into the façade module. The final task was to fabricate a prototype integrating a kinetic mechanism. The findings contribute to the evolving discourse on sustainable and integrated design by presenting a holistic framework for evaluating the daylighting performance of adaptive kinetic and multifunctional facades.