During the last decades, a great number of innovative building envelope materials, products, and façade systems have been developed. The majority of these progressive technologies promise significant improvements in energy efficiency and occupant’s comfort. However, it remains a challenge to assess the performance of such façades, leading to difficulties for efficient design, construction, and maintenance. As a consequence, the market adoption of adaptive façades is not realizing its full potential, resulting in missed opportunities for energy savings and improved occupant satisfaction. In this research, the main trends of adaptive façade development were investigated, with particular emphasis on their performance assessment. The literature review identifies and describes a knowledge gap in the assessment and systematization of adaptive façade systems. Our research methodology combines mixed methods of research involving collecting, analyzing, and integrating quantitative and qualitative research. For the first time, the main types of adaptive façade systems were systematized and ordered. Based on the analysis of consumer properties of these façades, the main trends were revealed. New technologies including adaptive building skins meet changing environmental conditions, host multiple functions and offer decentralized controls for occupants. They serve as strategies for improved comfort and reduced building energy needs. Finally, we can assume that adaptive façades technology is not ready enough to cross barriers today, however, the technology remains a promising technology that can get better in near future.