In an embodiment, an electronic device may include storage containing processor-executable instructions, a preference function that maps weights indicating likely user preferences for the range of values of a device setting in relation to a range of values of a variable, and a current automated device control schedule configured to control the device setting of the electronic device in relation to the variable, and a processor. The instructions may cause the processor to determine the current automated device control schedule based on the preference function by detecting user behavior that indicates satisfaction or dissatisfaction with values of the device setting in relation to the variable, updating the preference function based on the detected user behavior, and determining the current automated device control schedule by comparing a number of candidate device control schedules against the weights of the preference function and selecting the candidate with the highest score.