You’re starting a new design project. What tools do you need to make it a success? Whether you’re designing a restaurant, a hotel, or an office, you need to consider the functionality, aesthetics, and budget of your space. In this article, we’ll share some of the essential tools that can help you plan, visualize, and execute your commercial design project.
Before you dive into digital tools, you need to sketch out your ideas on paper. Sketching helps you brainstorm, communicate, and refine your concepts. You don’t need to be an expert artist, but you do need some basic sketching tools, such as pencils, pens, markers, erasers, rulers, and sketchbooks. You can also use tracing paper, grid paper, or templates to help you with scale and proportion.
We think infinitely faster than we can talk, draw or type. For example our rate of thought is 400 to 800 words per minute. Our rate of speech is only 125 to 175 words per minute, whilst the average rate that we can type is only 40 words per minute. Since the glue that holds every great design project together is a strong concept informed by a strong story, my recommendation is to pick up your phone and simply start recording your thoughts. These thoughts will inform a great written story and a great written story should inform a series of sketches long before any digital media of any kind features. Its the quickest and most effective way to do dirty prototyping and to consider as many effective options as possible in the shortest time span.
Absolutely need to begin with sketching out your ideas .. know your requirements and understand your programming .. there are no bad ideas .. this crucial step will help you to BEGIN formulating and expressing yourself and your ideas. Recognize this is not final - it is just the start!
Always the starting point in every project it is an essential skill in the design process. Brainstorming and problem solving is often easier in a sketch
Uma das ferramentas que mais utilizo para o esbo?o é o photoshop, ilustrator e Keynote, mas em sua maioria fa?o em post it, celular e notas. N?o tem limites para criar, e da ferramenta, mas é importante se exercitar a esbo?ar ideias.
Once you have some sketches, you need to measure the dimensions of your space and the objects you want to place in it. Measuring tools help you ensure accuracy, feasibility, and safety of your design. You’ll need a tape measure, a laser measure, a level, a compass, and a protractor. You can also use a digital caliper, a scale ruler, or a floor plan app to help you with more precise measurements.
In domestic and some commercial projects within a certain size we would use traditional measuring tape devices combined with laser measures. Larger sites we work with specialist surveyors to produce digital topographical maps
After you have the measurements, you need to translate your sketches into digital models. Software tools help you create realistic and detailed renderings of your design. You’ll need a computer, a tablet, or a smartphone with software that suits your needs and preferences. Some of the popular software tools for commercial design are SketchUp, AutoCAD, Revit, Photoshop, and Illustrator. You can also use online platforms, such as Canva, Floorplanner, or Homestyler to help you with simpler tasks.
When you have the digital models, you need to present them to your clients, collaborators, or contractors. Presentation tools help you showcase your design in an engaging and professional way. You’ll need a projector, a screen, a speaker, and a remote control. You can also use a portfolio, a brochure, or a website to help you with more comprehensive presentations.
Before you start the construction or renovation, you need to select the materials for your design. Material tools help you test and compare the quality, durability, and appearance of your materials. You’ll need samples, swatches, boards, and catalogs of the materials you want to use. You can also use a color wheel, a mood board, or a style guide to help you with more cohesive material choices.
During the execution of your design, you need to manage the time, budget, and resources of your project. Management tools help you organize, track, and communicate your progress and challenges. You’ll need a planner, a spreadsheet, a calculator, and a folder. You can also use an app, a software, or a website to help you with more efficient management.