Category — Design Intell

I have finally spent some time learning the awesomeness of my iphone. I have to say, it can be addicting, plus it’s a designer’s dream.  Here are my new favs when it comes to the apps that are designed for designers and architects.

 1.Units by TheMacBox allow users to convert area, length and width among other units. According to Examiner.com, designers and architects can simply plug in numbers to quickly convert a drawing that is in meters to feet, for example. By eliminating the need for formulas, Units by TheMacBox will save time and ensure accuracy.FREE

2.Architect’s Formulator by Multieducator Inc. contains over 200 formulas in the areas of Electrical, Carpentry and Plumbing, as well as Concrete and Excavations. Unlike other applications, this one costs about $10.00, but some would agree that the app is worth the price since it practically eliminates the need for having to reference bulky manuals.

3. iHandy Level iPhone App – very handy for leveling pictures on the wall, checking that a table is level, etc. FREE

4.Mark on Call by M.O.C. Interior Design, LLC helps with space planning, includes a pre-loaded material palette and allows users to save a library of finishes to “skin” onto surfaces in a virtual room. Version 2.0 is now available. $ 2.99 That lets you:

Take pictures of actual finishes, fabrics, rugs, and flooring from your favorite manufacturers and “skin” them onto ANY item or surface in your room using your iPhone camera or images from your photo library and publish and share them with other users.

 Access Presets Palette offering pre-loaded color, pattern, wood, and stone options; apply our user-friendly color wheel; or import custom colors and patterns

 Utilize new Rooms Gallery to backup & publish your room designs, move rooms to another floor plan, create room templates, & collaborate with other designers, clients, friends, family, or other app users.

Talk about design mobility-you can actually consult and share room plans with your clients!

5. My MOST favorite is reQall. reQall is a voice-enabled memory aid that seamlessly integrates your mobile phone, email, text messaging and IM into a powerful organizer, reminder system and productivity assistant.  God knows I can use a little more memory! reQall lets you capture your ideas, tasks and commitments before you forget, and it proactively keeps you well-prepared.  A colleague turned me on to it and I tested it on a trip home from Indy last week. When I get behind the wheel my head clears and my to- dos come into focus. I LOVED this- I speak into the phone; it turns my recording into text; creates a list organized by categories like need to buy, Notes, To Dos, Call, etc. that I can access and then sends me a reminder! Busy designers will love this- no texting yourself a note. FREE

If  you have an iPad… here’s a fabulous new app. I have been coveting this design series after seeing it for several years ago at a show. Phaidon hasn’t wasted any time in transforming its encyclopedic Design Classics collection into an app for Apple’s new tablet device. Originally published as a three-volume set (and tucked inside its own carrying case), Phaidon Design Classics features 999 of the most innovative, beautiful, and influential products created in the last 200 years, from early-1800s Chinese bonsai scissors to the sleek line of brunch equipment (kettle, coffee maker, and toaster) designed by Jasper Morrison for Rowenta. $19.99 ( orginal three book set- $175.00)

Last but not least, if personal design shopping is part of your design service package try Red Laser. Just used it pricing a TV for a client. Not only did it price it, but listed the cheapest prices within 5 miles and online.  $.99

More window covering innovation this week…

Bright Blind by Mongoose

Made of electroluminescent (EL) sheets, Makoto Hirahara’s Bright Blind simulates a window where none exists. In all other respects, the artificial blind functions in exactly the same way as a regular blind – i.e. turning the plastic stick controls the brightness, etc. Great for dark rooms and basements.

As of this writing, this piece is made by hand, so it’s available – but will take some time (and money) to create.

Anyone who follows design knows, there are tons of great products out there. Much as we’d like to, we can’t possibly buy or sell them all.  In the spirit of Gen C, where design is democratic and everyone can be a designer, Bright Blinds comes to us via In The Pipeline. In the Pipeline allows you to be a virtual member of their buying team; tell them which designs you love and help them choose which products to sell. You comment on any of the designs and vote for your favorites.  Submit your email and if the prototype gets manufactured they will notify you so you can be one of the first to call it your own.

Upon further investigation; it looks like it’s been around for awhile as it was submitted to the site a year ago. Let me know what you think.  Manufacturers, here’s another shout out about innovative blinds. Anyone listening?

Aesthetically pleasing as they may be; it looks like blinds and shades have new competition- this time from the window glass itself. Enter Smart Energy Glass, a new innovation from Dutch Peer+ that turns windows into solar energy collectors with an added plus-a  customizable appearance.

Not only are Smart Energy Glass windows available in several colors, but they can switch between three modes: dark, bright and privacy, which scatters the light passing through. Even better, the glass serves to collect solar energy, which can then be used directly or fed back to the grid.

 But it also occurred to me that this could also be an opportunity for window covering maunfacturers. How cool would it be if the energy stored in the glass could be used to power motorized blinds, shades or draperies. Somfy and BTX please take note!

Users can control the darkness mode of the windows at will, depending on light conditions and energy concerns. Privacy mode generates the most energy, while bright mode is the least productive. Corporate logos can even be incorporated into the glass, Peer+ says.

Peer+ is currently working on its first pilots in the Netherlands, and is seeking further projects for testing.

See the video below

Smart Energy Glass from Peerplus on Vimeo.

Via PSFK

The Challenge of Creative Optimism

 The trend theme for the January 2010 edition of Heimtextil is Uni(re)verse. The 10-person trend team took into account the intensity and uncertainty facing us-from obscure financial formulas to obvious ecological issues, from globalization’s pros and cons to the ups and downs of capitalism. So many critical issues demand our attention and force us to redefine what it means to be a producer, a consumer, a developer, a user, and of course, a designer. Faced with all this confusion, our biggest challenge is to continually develop our creativity, to explore all cultures and all avenues for information. Most importantly perhaps is to learn the lessons of nature: responsible innovation, respect for diversity and an indomitable optimism.

It’s here that we can find the universal values that will help direct us out of the maze of confusion we find ourselves in. Nature’s lessons-time-tested and easily observed-offer gentleness, energy, refinement, elegance and simplicity, universal values to shape the outlines of new lifestyles simultaneously optimistic and respectful.

REFINED ROOTS: Nature presented with modern, refined aesthetics.

LESSTRAVAGANCE: Between strict minimalism and over-the-top ostentation is a new take on EcoLuxury.

INFINITE TIME: Responsible design-for humans and the environment-over the lifetime of a product. The need for simplicity and the strong demand for quality come together in a responsible approach, where timeless authenticity is captured in a range of earthy colors; these themes connect elegance, ease and character.

INTIMATE BUBBLE: Breaking away-within the safety of closed spaces-to experience our desires of the moment.

IRRESISTIBLE STAGING: Playing with traditional references to confirm our individual personalities; a modern form of theatrical seduction.

DIGITAL CLASSICS: Virtual worlds increasingly offer new possibilities to create an imaginary existence. By mingling modern technology and decorative classicism, we achieve a dramatic exaggeration demonstrated in a theatrical range of opulent colors.

IMPULSIVE CREATIVITY: The beauty of everyday gestures and the energy of spontaneous creation.

GRAPHIC FASCINATION: Understandable, high-impact communication across all global markets.

MAGIC SIMPLICITY: Reinventing rituals and rediscovering enchantment. Instead of austere functionality, the mood is one of creative invention. Modular constructions, reworked geometrics and color-blocking are explored in pigments reminiscent of the 1980’s.

BENEFICIAL INNOVATION: Creating the time and space to allow nature to nurture.

Here’s Part 2 of the Designing For Profits and ASID Survey results.
Looking for the Right Niche?
Designers still seem focused on selling products vs. services only. They said they will be selling more of the following product categories in a search to find the most profitable and productive niche:
Window treatments 59%
Furniture 52%
Lighting 50%
Respondents went on to say that the categories that provided the most profit margins were:
Window treatments 75%
Furniture 68%
Art and accessories 58%
Lastly, even if it’s all hype and marketing, Green will be more important than we think. The survey indicated that 40% of designer’s clients find green design to be important to them.
Survival Strategy- Alter your business model. Find the right mix of more profitable product lines, services and profitable clients. Are there any categories above you are not presently selling? Take this downtime to examine your business plan; see where you spend most of your time; decide if the clients you cater to are the ones you really want and determine where you make your most profit. You might be surprised at the answers. Whether it’s concentrating on high end, focusing on what you do best and outsourcing the rest or moving into new markets and niches-doing something is better than doing nothing.
Changing Consumer
Designers agree that the consumer is behaving differently today. We all realize that clients expect more and different things today than in the past. Almost half (47%) of the designers surveyed said that biggest change in expectations was the client’s desire NOT to exceed project pricing. Equally important (47%) was the need for cost transparency. The challenge here is that most designers find it hard to have frank discussions with their clients about budget, pricing and value- perceived or otherwise. Clients do not always understand the different value equations, so we must educate them. Hidden in the Designing For Profits results was the consumer’s strong need for speed, in both the presentation and design process. This forces shorter time frames that can be gut wrenching in an industry that traditionally works in long lead times and at their own pace.
Survival Strategy- Focus on Customer service. Yes, I know, my clients are becoming more demanding too. Taking the time to work in their budget, listen to their needs and simplify the process can differentiate you from the pack.
Designers Look into the Future
Without a doubt, increasing revenue from your top 5 clients is essential. According to 66% of the designers, over 50% of their business comes from fewer than 5 clients. (The old 80/20 rule.)
Also interesting was fact that based on their business goals for the next 3-5 years, the majority of designers see the next 12 months as a time to expand cautiously while others sit tight (46%). But 17% see it as a time to retrench, cut back and survive.
Survival Strategy- Sitting in your studio and wringing you hands waiting for the phone to ring won’t work.

• Increase your visibility- 25% of ASID’s respondents said they are increasing their direct marketing efforts.
• Market, Market, Market – not advertising but one-on-one business development. One in five designers said they’ll take on more consulting work to build relationships and 10% have started a website or joined a referral service.
• Be selective. There isn’t much point in marketing to people who aren’t buying. Recraft your marketing messages to appeal to niche markets and make sure your brand message is strong and clear. Clients need to have a good understanding of who you are, what is unique about you, what you can do for them and what value you bring to the table.

Think about what you did to become successful and pursue similar strategies again. Be positive, challenge yourself and remember that there is always opportunity in bad news.

How are you bearing up in 2009?