Augmented Reality: the Future of Interior Design

The future of interior design is increasingly a digital one ... photo by CC user Meximex on German wikipedia

Interior design students have a lot more to study than their predecessors. Not only do these students have to learn the fundamentals of interior design, they also have to learn all the technology that is now prevalent in the interior design industry.

Interior designers now have to know how to navigate apps and programs created for their industry, apps that the consumers are using, and most recently apps that are implemented into the designs as well.

Here’s a sneak peek into the future of interior design…

Technology and Design

Interior design has been a popular and much-needed field even before it had an official name.  By the early twentieth century, interior design was considered a true profession and was considered separate from interior decorating.

By the 1950’s interior design was becoming much more popular as architects and engineers added interior designers as part of their team.

Although technology has always been a part of the building and designing process, it wasn’t until recently that technology started driving most aspects of the interior design field.

The Need for Technology and Education

Part of the learning process for students studying interior design is learning how to use the vast amount of technology that is now associated with Interior Design.

Interior designers have been using computers to create and show their designs for a long time, but just recently many designers are now able to use their mobile device to help create and show off their designs as well.

It’s important for students to understand technology so they can manage the many software and apps that can aid in their designs and future careers.

Many schools are incorporating technology courses into their curriculum so the program is as up to date as the available technology.

The Power of Apps for the Designer

Computer programs have always been around for designers to bring to life the design before any paint touches the wall.

Now apps also make it easy for interior designers to jot down ideas, bring to life concepts, and compare carpet samples.

Technology has given designers the opportunity to use their mobile device to simplify the process. Interior designers can download apps that match colors, will read color codes, and list all different types of materials for easy review.

Apps can also express how colors will look at different times of the day, depending on how the sun hits the windows throughout the day.

The Power of Apps for the Consumer

Clients have access to all sorts of designs, and want to instill their personality into the designs. Sometimes, however, their personal design is really all the designs they find on the apps that are easily accessible on their smartphones and mobile devices.

Websites and apps such as Houzz and Pinterest provide endless amounts of ideas and concepts for both clients and interior decorators.

These apps can be both beneficial and detrimental for interior designers, because many customers will pull hundreds of pictures and ideas from Pinterest without having a real idea what they want.

Although it’s great for the designer to have a starting point, all the apps can make it harder to know what the person truly wants.

Apps in the Finished Product

The power of apps doesn’t stop there, however. Designers are now incorporating apps into the finished product, where the customer can control their lighting straight from smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S5.

Interior designers also implement other apps that can change the lighting during different times of day. Apps can also control home security systems, opening the curtains, and change the air conditioning straight from the homeowner’s mobile device.

Interior design continues to evolve just as the technology for interior designers evolves. Students must learn all the technology, and plan on staying in current in that technology throughout their entire careers.

Interior designers who have been working must also keep up to date with the current technology for consumers and for professionals so they don’t seem dated to many technology-crazed consumers.

Although the basic principles of interior design will never change, the technology and applications for the field are ever-changing.