The concept of smart device apps is a global phenomenon that has transformed the electronics industry in recent years. The industry is now worth billions and is extremely profitable if the app is right. Apps are transforming how people organise themselves and work. Apps can be found that perform some of the most niche tasks and industry specific apps are on the increase. This study examines how apps can become tools to the practicing product designer by analysing the design process. Surveys were sent out to both student and professional designers. It is acknowledged that there are no apps dedicated specifically to product designers and most designers were not making use of their smart device as a design tool. It was also learnt that tablet market penetration (UK) is set to increase to 35% by 2015 which could mean there will be an increased need for apps as design tools. This work uncovered many different ideas for apps which could specifically be useful in the product design process. This could mean that when the market is ready, there is a lot of potential for apps to be used as design practice tools.
Design Thinking, Design Education, App, Smartphone, Smart device, Creative, Design.
Tom PAGE, "Integrating Mobile Device Applications into Designers’ Workflow", Studies in Informatics and Control, ISSN 1220-1766, vol. 22(2), pp. 195-204, 2013. https://doi.org/10.24846/v22i2y201309
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