Digital tech and AI are transforming interior design with immersive experiences, personalised designs, and streamlined processes. VR and AI tools enable visualisation before construction, while data-driven insights cater to unique preferences.
The interior design industry is undergoing a tremendous transformation as digital technology takes centre stage. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools has paved the way for optimised processes, enhanced creativity, and immersive design experiences.
The use of virtual reality (VR) and AI-powered design assistants is propelling interior design into a new era of innovation and possibility. According to industry reports, the augmented reality (AR) market surpassed $10.7 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach a whopping $72.7 billion by 2024, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 46.6%. In a recent article, TechGraph sheds light on how digital technologies are transforming the interior design industry.
The article explains how the visualisation and conceptualisation stages of interior design have witnessed a paradigm shift with the incorporation of high-end software. According to a study, 22% of homeowners planning a renovation project found it valuable to visualise design changes before implementation. Designers at high-end interior design studios such as Accouter leverage sophisticated technologies—AI-powered design platforms, augmented and virtual reality—to deliver this service. With the help of AI and VR, they can now create immersive 3D models, photo-realistic illustrations, and virtual walkthroughs. That enables clients to see the outcome before the construction starts, make informed decisions about various design elements, including furniture, colour schemes, and layout configurations, and even make direct purchases within the app. The AI algorithm used in these applications expedites the selection process, offering designers an assortment of options tailored to their client’s preferences.
The adoption of digital technology has been marked as a key enabler of a streamlined design development process. According to a survey by Autodesk, 61% of interior designers reported using AI-driven design tools or software in their projects. Design software programs, such as SketchUp and AutoCAD, enable designers to create accurate floor plans, elevations, and 3D models. These tools help improve precision and enable rapid iterations and modifications. AI-driven tools further automate time-consuming and routine tasks, freeing up designers to focus on their creative aspects.
Furthermore, using advanced AI algorithms helps minimise design errors, thereby reducing costs associated with design modifications. Accurate representations of designs empower designers to pinpoint and address potential issues before the physical construction phase, resulting in fewer changes during implementation.
According to the article, digital technology empowers designers to provide personalised design experiences that cater to unique tastes and preferences. AI-powered tools employ predictive analytics to examine massive troves of historic data from past design projects and client feedback. They can then use the findings to identify trends, patterns, and customer preferences. This data-driven approach informs designers of the current design styles, materials, and layouts, allowing them to create spaces that align with their client’s unique demands. Moreover, by responding to customer inquiries in real time and proposing design suggestions, AI-enabled chatbots offer on-demand design guidance and support. AI chatbots and virtual assistants revolutionise the way design consultations are conducted, fortifying the design experience for clients and designers.
AI-powered online platforms and marketplaces connect designers with a vast network of artisans, suppliers, and manufacturers from around the world. It opens up new frontiers for sourcing unique and sustainable materials, decor, and furniture, expanding the range of design options available to professionals.
From realistic visualisations to streamlining the design process and delivering personalised experiences, digital technology and AI are reshaping the way interior designers transform spaces. With the industry fast adopting advanced technologies, the article expects even more innovative tools and applications to push the boundaries of creativity and collaboration.