Designers & The Web

 
Has the online world made it easier to source products, or is the sheer mass of resources available making it more difficult? On June 14, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., designers gathered in the Stylex showroom at NeoCon to try and answer this question and explore the latest developments with online specification.

The special event, "Designers & The Web: Tips and Tricks for Online Specification," was moderated by Jenny Rector, business development director, Designer Pages, and featured the following panelists: John Czarnecki, editor in chief, Contract magazine; Royce Epstein, senior resource specialist, Kling Stubbins; and Paul Petrunia, co-founder of Archinect.

Rector kicked off the discussion by asking the panelists to describe the sources they use to find product information today. They all agreed that using multiple sources–from print to online to shopping–has become the norm but that online also has claimed a prominent role. The days of manufacturer catalogs stacked in libraries quickly are evolving to be replaced by blogs, Web sites, newsletters, social networking sites, and other online offerings.

Petrunia noted that online tools are becoming increasingly sophisticated, especially in the last three to four years. Epstein emphasized the importance of manufacturers having working, easy-to-navigate Web sites that feature specs and good product photos. In addition to researching products online, designers also are collaborating via tools like Skype and virtual meetings. "The new normal means there isn't anything unsual about working remotely," Czarnecki explained.

Additional discussion highlights included the importance of mobile technology moving forward; the use of Google to point you in the right direction to online communities that may have more specific information; and ways to manage product knowledge and disseminate it throughout your organization.

–Jessie Bove