As we explored in a recent blog post, usage of mobile apps and smartphones amongst the A&D segment is on the rise.
According to a recent study, 55% of architects use smartphones to download apps (just a few years ago, 69.2% of architects said they did not want to receive industry news on their smartphones). And a whopping one-third of architects use mobile apps developed by building product manufacturers. The usage rate is increasing by the minute.
So what types of apps are architects and designers looking for? When they download an app, their primary motivation is to have tools that they need at their fingertips, making their work more efficient and convenient. From a manufacturer’s perspective, this means building apps with concise yet comprehensive product details and user-friendly design.
Another way to deliver apps with value is to provide inspiration to architects at one of their most vital stages in the entire design process: design inspiration.
We’ve compiled a list of six apps that offer just that – design inspiration.
1) myPANTONE 2.0
Gives designers access to over 13,000 PANTONE colors, plus the ability to create color palettes, reference on the go, and share via email and social media.
2) Buildings
Created by architects, “Buildings” is an encyclopedia of more than 40,000 buildings across the globe, complete with expert commentary and insight.
Also uses standard GPS to identify location and serve up buildings near you.
3) BuildCalc – Advanced
An app that exceeds the capabilities of the construction master pro trig model with updates to the functionality frequently and based on feedback. In some cases, people have replaced the Construction Master Calculator.
4) SketchBook Mobile
Autodesk SketchBook® mobile is a professional grade painting and drawing application. It offers a full set of sketching tools and delivers them through a streamlined and intuitive interface. Use it to digitally capture your ideas as napkin sketches or produce artwork on-the-go. With the same paint engine as the renowned SketchBook® Pro software, it delivers sophisticated brushes and fluid pencils.
5) DWELL Mobile app
Dwell delivers photos, videos and more of modern architecture and design with dynamic updates to keep content fresh and commentary by industry experts. Complete with social media sharing capability
6) AutoCAD WS
Take your designs with you wherever you go so you have them whenever you have inspiration. AutoCAD® WS is a free mobile CAD Application that allows you to view, edit and share your DWG™ files on your smartphone or tablet. Open drawings from email attachments, sync your files from the web, or upload drawings directly from AutoCAD software. Also has the ability to save locally so you can design on the go, with or without an internet connection.
These are just a sampling of the mobile apps that we found do a great job of leveraging the needs and desires of the A&D audience. Building Products Manufacturers need to understand the motivations and behaviors of Architects and Designers and how they use their products. By first understanding the audience, it opens up a greater likelihood of successfully developing a mobile app for A&D.
Read our latest white paper, Getting Through the A&D Pinhole to discover the insights we uncovered and how to connect and engage this important audience.
Image courtesy of fotopedia.
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