Category — Technology

I am being swept into the techno world. I am not a full fledged geek yet, but do love me some gadgets and when coupled with design, I’m in. So I was sucker for Microsoft’s  home of the future:

 According to MS, the Microsoft Home is

…a place to explore technology scenarios that could transform the way we live in five to 10 years. Built as a full-scale model home in the company’s Executive Briefing Center, the Home is used to explore practical applications of cutting-edge technical trends, and exhibit futuristic prototype technologies to a variety of industry and government leaders, partners and customers.

While the space is a private testing ground accessible by invitation only, the video below provides a glimpse of what a day in the suburban future could look like in 2025. Among other advances, check out:

• touchscreen, wireless & ‘smart’ charging plates that also read sensors in your products to interpret your personal data, including vital health statistics
• interactive walls consisting of various screens – which are in turn controlled by a simple flip of a light switch
• visual analysis via image-to-image search for each image featured in your home entertainment screen (i.e., ability to search for travel schedules, restaurant information, and backback purchase information for all items featured in a travel show); this is cool – right now, we really just do text-based search
• motion-controlled digital wallpaper capturing your personal digital ecosystem, including real-time texts, Facebook status updates or Twitter feed updates

OK, so we really have to get on the stick when it comes to innovative window coverings to match up to these other elements in the room!. Any ideas?

via Engadget

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