mySurface iPhone/iPod App by DuPont
Dupont sent us an iPod Touch to try their mySurface app (available as a free download at the iTunes Store). Basically, the application is a catalog of the colors and finishes available for Corian and Zodiaq, two of their products for surfaces.
I already knew Corian, as it is one of the best surface solutions for countertops and furniture. Zodiaq is a product with more resistance, as it incorporates pure quartz crystal, making it more durable and scratch resistant.
What I like about this is that you no longer have to carry the big physical samples, and it becomes very useful when you are on site with the client discussing the finishes.
As you can see on the screenshots below, you can easily navigate through the color/finishes palette, and save your favorites for easy access. For a more accurate comparison, you can see the texture at full screen and place the iPhone/iPod over the desired surface. It also includes some sample images of projects using these products.
What do you think?
More screenshots and my vision on how this app could be improved after the break:
Fullscreen texture
Zodiaq palette
Corian palette
Sample color
Favorite colors
Images of the products on real projects
This app is way more useful than the old printed color samples, but I feel that it doesn´t make full use of what these devices can offer. I wish they could develop a version that allows you to take a photo of a surface, mark 4 points to define a plane and automatically place the desired texture for a more realistic look. This is very easy to do on your computer using Photoshop, but with the added mobility of the iPhone/iPod this can become a very good tool to make decision on site.
my vision of an ideal mySurface app
Retarded. You lose out on the feel of the material, and color calibration issues between screens will make this fairly useless. Unless it’s say, between a blue and an orange.
Holt:
Duh, and I lose the feel of paper and pencil when I use the iPhone.
Professor
As for the color calibration, I don´t see any problems with the iPhone.
as for color calibration, nobody see any problem as long as they don’t calibrate their screen… Once they do that, they notice how wrong their screen was displaying colors… I don’t have Iphone but I believe it is like every screen… But you have the same problem with websites anyway. Great app, like to see more of these…
I think its great to see how big companies such as DuPont are starting to innovate with applications like this. It can definitely be improved, but its a start. I agree with David´s idea proposed in his review.
Great idea, no need to chase, wait and get wrong samples etc, cuts down on time factors. I agree with the abscence of texture (unless iPhone has a surprise for us;-)
Good idea.
why cant we have a version for BlackBerry phones, this is the 3rd feature for iPhone users
Corian and Zodiaq, for the most, have exactly the same texture from sample to sample, and the same reaction to light.
If you know the material, or if you’ve got one sample with you, then this gets very useful … it’s a perfectly ad hoc tool for this particular product, but I agree, won’t make much sens for classic textured stone/wood etc …
ZIED, will look for something useful for architects for the Blackberry… besides being the email perfect companion.
Look nice but no available in the Frenh App Store… :-(
David,
I’m glad you found the mySurface app useful. We appreciate the feedback and ideas, and will take them into consideration as we develop the next generations of the app. Keep the ideas coming. Thanks,
Don Nordmeyer
e-Marketing Manager
DuPont Surfaces
Great web site. A lot of useful info here. I’m sending it to several friends ans additionally sharing in delicious. And certainly, thank you in your effort!