Wilsonart, a leading manufacturer of engineered surfacing products, collaborated with IDEO, an award-winning global design and innovation firm, to develop the Smart Wallboard, a unique, modular wallboard for laminate that enhances the design process from sample to specification, designed the way designers work.
Wilsonart collaborated with IDEO to develop the Smart Wallboard. Photo: Wilsonart
Gathering insights from the architectural and design communities, from leading iconic firms to students representing the future of design, designers tested and prototyped tools that would support their creative process in unprecedented ways. In response to insights from users, Wilsonart’s iconic sample chips are now hole-less, allowing for a better presentation to clients and unlocking the potential of mood boards. Each chip features a QR code which, when used with the new Wilsonart Design App, creates a seamless digital experience, providing mobile access to sample refills and information 24/7.
Designers choose a sample from the Smart Wallboard, scan it and with three taps of the finger have the sample researched, saved, and replenished — bringing a level of interactivity to the physical, traditional wallboard. Favorite samples are stored and designers have access to time critical information regarding their laminate decisions.
“We’re always looking for solutions to make our products work smarter, not harder,” said Mark Kieckhafer, Sales Director, Specifications at Wilsonart. “The Smart Wallboard bridges the gap between the physical wallboard and the wealth of online information and tools available at Wilsonart.com and now on the Wilsonart Design App, to support both the designer and our sales reps.”
The concept and design for the Smart Wallboard were built in conjunction with IDEO. “The design firm takes a human-centered, design-based approach to help companies innovate and grow,” said Lawrence Abrahamson, Design Director at IDEO. “The main challenge was to create a signature wallboard design and user focused experience to highlight each sample chip, while removing many of the hurdles between a designer’s considerations, presentations and specifications.”
The Smart Wallboard is rolling out to architect and design firms across the country. Download the Wilsonart Design App for iOS and Android by visiting the appropriate app stores. To learn more about how the app works, visit www.wilsonart.com/experience. For more information about Wilsonart resources for designers, visit www.wilsonart.com or call 1-800-433-3222.
About Wilsonart
Wilsonart, a world leading engineered surfaces company, is driven by a mission to create surfaces people love, with service you can count on, delivered by people who care. The company manufactures and distributes High Pressure Laminate, Quartz, Solid Surface, Coordinated TFL and Edgebanding and other engineered surface options for use in furniture, office and retail space, countertops, worktops and other applications. Operating under the Wilsonart®, Resopal®, Polyrey®, Arborite®, Lamin-Art®, Ralph Wilson® and Durcon® brands, the company continuously redefines decorative surfaces through improved performance and aesthetics. For more information, visit www.wilsonart.com or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
