There really does seem to be an app for everything these days. With so many tools available that are designed to help our lives move more efficiently, it can sometimes feel overwhelming and inefficient trying to weed through them all. Through trial and error I have found several that I use nearly every day in my work as an Interior Designer and Workplace Strategist that help me in the office but also keep me organized when I'm on-the-go.
Autodesk's SketchBook Mobile - This app is perfect for when you're caught without pen and paper and that great idea for your next design challenge hits you. I use this regularly on both my iPad and iPhone to create digital napkin sketches for things like capturing design ideas or resolving field details with a contractor.
Sherwin Williams – ColorSnap - Have you ever been somewhere and wanted to be able to color-match a wall color instantly? This app allows you to use your smart phone to match real-world colors with paint colors and save and organize your favorites so you have them in the palm of your hand just when you need them.
Pinterest - There is all kinds of buzz about this fairly new social website called Pinterest. If you aren't familiar, it's a website where users can create virtual pinboards full of design inspirations found from around the web. It's a great way to tag, keep and organize products you'd like to use for clients, pin images that serve as inspiration for a project and search other Pinterest profiles to seek out inspiration from other creative types with similar interests and taste. The mobile app is great because it allows you to connect with your account anywhere and anytime!
Pandora - This one obviously isn't designer-specific. But, having the Pandora app on my phone or iPad means I can transport my favorite internet radio stations with me everywhere. I doubt I'm the only one whose sanity has been kept with the help of this app from time to time.
As designers, what apps do you find most helpful? Share your favorites in the comment field.