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. The aim of this study is to explore how apps can become tools to the practicing industrial designer by analysing the design process. Surveys were sent out to both student and professional designers. Two case studies were used to explore two design apps currently available. A third case study analysed the design process of IDEO to provide a detailed breakdown of a typical design process. It was discovered that there are no apps dedicated specifically to industrial 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. The study 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.

Dr T. Page B.Sc (Hons), M.Phil, Ph.D, C.Eng, MIET, MIEEE, FHEA, is a lecturer in Electronic Product Design in the Department of Design and Technology at Loughborough University UK. His research interests are in the areas of of computer applications for design education, logistics and supply chain management and electronic product design.