Last month in January’s Software Survey Results: What’s On Your Hard Drive”, we revealed the results of December’s Software Survey. We sought answers to the questions, “What software is being 
taught in design programs”” and “What’s actually being used by design professionals”” Both during and after the survey, we received several comments from students, educators and professionals telling us that they were not familiar with some of the software packages mentioned, so in this issue of TECHNO POP, we’ve started the process of breaking it all down for you.
Hey, there’s a lot going on in the world of design – changing codes and regulations, new manufacturers and materials, etc. For the former, there are continuing education classes and municipal building officials to keep you up-to-date. For the latter, there are showrooms to visit and sales representative to call on when you need to be educated on the latest and greatest (if you’re lucky). Too bad this is not the case with computer software. In that regard, you’re pretty much on your own.
To help sort things out, we’ve put together a chart that presents a simplified categorization of the various software packages cited in January’s Software Survey Results: What’s On Your Hard Drive” So if you’re looking for a new CAD package or wondering who on earth Maya is (hint: we’re not talking Maya Rudolf or Maya Angelou), this may help you out. It’s not a comprehensive list of every package out there, but it does include the packages listed in response to the survey.
|
Major Purpose of Software Package |
Software Package (listed in alphabetical order) |
|
CAD Drawing |
20-20 CAD, Autodesk Architectural Desktop, Autodesk AutoCAD, CADVANCE, Chief Architect, DataCAD, SoftPlan, TurboCAD Professional |
|
CAD Design Tools with Built-in Workflow Management Tools |
20-20 CAP Studio, Autodesk AutoCAD Revit Building, Graphisoft ArchiCAD, MicroStation, VectorWorks |
|
Vector Drawing |
Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Visio |
|
3D Modeling/Rendering |
AccuRender (plug-in for AutoCAD), Autodesk VIZ (formerly 3D Studio VIZ), Autodesk 3ds Max (formerly 3D Studio Max), form-Z, Maya, SketchUp |
|
Image Manipulation |
Adobe Photoshop, CorelDRAW, Jasc Paint Shop Pro |
|
Presentation/Page Layout |
Adobe Acrobat, Adobe InDesign, Microsoft, PowerPoint, Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Word, Quark Xpress |
|
Database |
FileMaker Pro, Microsoft Access |
|
Workflow Management |
Design Manager, FastLook, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Project |
|
Lighting Design |
AGi32, Lightscape Viewset |
|
Kitchen/Bath/Bedroom Design |
CADKIT, Planit |
|
General Office Productivity |
Appleworks, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word), Quickbooks |
If you have had extensive experience on any one of these software packages – whether prevalent or obscure – we’d love to hear from you so that we can spread the word. Opinions and reports can be anonymous if requested (we don’t kiss and tell), but shout it out at contact@plinthandchintz.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
