6 best specification-making tools for interior designers in 2024
6 best specification-making tools for interior designers in 2024
In the evolving world of interior design, the need for efficient and effective specification-making software has never been more critical. Today's designers rely on digital tools to streamline their workflows, improve accuracy, and enhance collaboration. This article delves into the features, user experience, and overall value of five prominent specification-making apps for interior designers: Intebee, Gather, DesignSpec, Programa, Prospecer and Fringe. Each offers unique functionalities tailored to the diverse needs of the interior design industry.
Using the right apps can simplify the process of creating detailed interior design specifications. These tools are particularly useful when working on complex projects, such as designing restaurant layouts or ensuring all furniture choices meet the project's specifications.
Intebee
User Experience:
Intebee's setup involves installing two separate applications, complicating initial use. New users may find the onboarding process unclear and challenging.
Interface:
The interface is considered outdated, with a steep learning curve that might deter users accustomed to more modern software aesthetics.
Database:
Intebee does not include a built-in database. Users must create and manage their databases, which can be a significant drawback for efficiency.
Functionality:
Exports are limited to PDF format, and the software lacks integrated floor plans or a procurement feature, which could limit its utility for comprehensive project management.
Pricing:
It offers a competitive starting price of $10 per user per month, making it an affordable option for small to medium-sized enterprises.
Trial Period:
It has 1 month free trial with full functions.
Fringe
User Experience:
Fringe is the latest to this family. It is user-friendly and intuitive, allowing users to quickly master the app. While the onboarding process could see some improvements, it offers helpful tutorial videos and the option for a live online demo.
Interface:
The interface is modern and visually appealing, facilitating a more enjoyable user experience.
Database:
Fringe distinguishes itself with a built-in database of hundreds of suppliers, expanding with 25 new suppliers added each month providing a robust resource for users to pull from without the need for manual entries.
Functionality:
Fringe offers unique functionalities not seen in the other apps. It is the only app in this comparison that allows users to create integrated floor plans or drawings with annotations directly linked to the specification list. Additionally, users can add their own products and design custom-made products directly within the app.
Pricing:
With a starting price of only 16 euros per user per month, Fringe offers an economical solution for interior design professionals. Furthermore, the cost-effectiveness is even more apparent with volume discounts, as pricing can drop to as little as 9.9 euros per user per month for teams of five.
Trial period:
Users can explore all features through a 1-month free trial, providing ample time to assess the app’s capabilities and its fit for their workflow.
Gather
User Experience:
Known for its user-friendly design, Gather allows new users to quickly become proficient through an effective onboarding experience.
Interface:
The modern and sleek interface of Gather stands out, offering intuitive navigation and easy access to all necessary tools.
Database and Tools:
Although it lacks a built-in database, Gather tries to compensate with a clipper tool for web data extraction. However, this tool often fails with complex sites, requiring manual data entry, which can be cumbersome.
Functionality:
It supports PDF exports and includes a basic procurement feature, though it requires manual operation, which could be a drawback for larger projects needing more automation.
Pricing:
With plans starting at $165 per month and going up to $790 for full features, Gather is on the pricier side, which might be a consideration for smaller firms.
Trial Period:
It has 14 days free trial with full functions.
DesignSpec
https://designspec.com
User Experience:
Accessible as a web app, DesignSpec is easy to sign up for but occasionally encounters compatibility issues with browsers like Chrome.
Interface:
The interface, while straightforward, is not the most modern, possibly affecting the user experience negatively.
Database and Tools:
DesignSpec also utilizes a clipper tool for importing specifications from web sources, which shares the same limitations as Gather's, often requiring manual intervention.
Functionality:
Offers PDF exports and has procurement options available on higher subscription levels, making it somewhat flexible but not fully accessible at lower tiers.
Pricing:
Moderately priced at $49 per month, it provides a middle ground in terms of cost.
Trial Period:
It has 14 days free trial with full functions.
Programa
User Experience:
Programa excels in user experience with an easy signup process complemented by extensive onboarding materials.
Interface:
The interface is modern and visually appealing, facilitating a more enjoyable user experience.
Database:
Like Intebee and Prospecer, Programa requires users to build their databases, which can be a significant time investment.
Functionality:
Limited to PDF exports and lacking integrated floor plans, its functionality is somewhat restricted, although it does offer some level of procurement within higher plans.
Pricing:
Starts at $39 per month per user, providing a reasonable cost for its range of features.
Trial Period:
It has 7 days free trial with full functions.
Prospector
https://pro.designerpages.com/
User Experience:
Prospecer is user-friendly but requires a demo and introduction before access, which might delay immediate use.
Interface:
The interface is clear and functional, easy to navigate, and less likely to require a steep learning curve.
Database:
Users are responsible for creating their databases, a common theme among several apps reviewed here.
Functionality:
While it supports various export templates in PDF format and integrates with tools like Revit, it lacks a true procurement feature.
Pricing:
Basic access starts at an affordable $10 per month per user, with full features available at $75 per user per month.
Trial Period:
You have to request a free trial.
FAQ:
What are specification-making tools?
Specification-making tools are digital applications designed to help interior designers streamline their workflows, improve accuracy, and enhance collaboration by managing specifications for design projects.
Why do interior designers need specification-making tools?
Interior designers need specification-making tools to manage project details efficiently, ensure accuracy in specifications, facilitate collaboration with team members and clients, and ultimately save time and reduce errors.
What are the six best specification-making tools for interior designers in 2024?
The six best specification-making tools for interior designers in 2024 are:
Fringe
Intebee
Gather
DesignSpec
Programa
Prospecer
What is the pricing range for these tools?
Fringe: Starting at 16 euros per user per month (volume discounts available)
Intebee: Starting at $10 per user per month
Gather: Plans start at $165 per month, up to $790 for full features
DesignSpec: $49 per month
Programa: $39 per month per user
Prospecer: Basic access at $10 per month per user, full features at $75 per user per month
Do these tools offer trial periods?
Yes, all six tools offer trial periods:
Fringe: 1 month free trial
Intebee: 1 month free trial
Gather: 14 days free trial
DesignSpec: 14 days free trial
Programa: 7 days free trial
Prospecer: Request a free trial
Which tool has the most user-friendly interface?
Fringe is noted for its modern and visually appealing interface, making it user-friendly and intuitive. Gather also has a sleek and intuitive interface.
Are there tools with built-in databases?
Yes, Fringe has a built-in database of hundreds of suppliers, expanding monthly, which provides a robust resource for users. The other tools typically require users to create and manage their own databases.
Which tool offers integrated floor plans?
Fringe is the only app in this comparison that allows users to create integrated floor plans or drawings with annotations directly linked to the specification list.
Can I export data from these tools?
Yes, all six tools support data exports, primarily in PDF format. Some tools offer additional export templates or formats.
Do these tools support procurement features?
Fringe: Offers procurement features
Gather: Includes a basic procurement feature
DesignSpec: Procurement options available on higher subscription levels
Programa: Some procurement features within higher plans
Prospecer: Lacks a true procurement feature
Intebee: Does not have an integrated procurement feature
How do I decide which tool is best for my needs?
Consider the following factors when choosing a tool:
Budget: Compare the pricing plans and trial periods.
User Experience: Look for a user-friendly interface and effective onboarding process.
Functionality: Determine which features are most important for your workflow, such as integrated floor plans, built-in databases, or procurement capabilities.
Trial Period: Take advantage of free trials to test the tools and see which one fits your needs best.