The cloud-based service makes 3D home interior design and product configuration accessible to everyone.
By Dianne M. Pogoda
HomeByMe, a unique online, cloud-based platform for interior design, represents the next advancement in omnichannel, interactive design tools. The platform allows users to access its services across multiple web-enabled devices, from smartphones to laptops, tablets and desktop computers. Initially designed for consumer use, the company is now marketing a platform aimed at streamlining the kitchen design process for professionals. One of its main advantages is the ability to deliver high-quality renderings, and since it is cloud-based, there is no need for complicated installation.
HomeByMe, with 28 million users, was developed by France-based Dassault Systèmes, a global leader in 3D digital innovations. The company generates more than 7 billion euros ($7.7 billion) annually and does business in 137 countries. Its U.S. headquarters is in Waltham, Mass.
The company conducted extensive research that revealed a shift in consumer behavior to seek inspiration and information online before embarking on a project. In fact, 66 percent of consumers surveyed said they purchased home items online in the past year, and 75 percent said they prefer to start planning their kitchen on their own before enlisting a pro. HomeByMe was initially focused on consumer applications and simple interior-design solutions. Its research also showed that 36 percent of consumers prefer omnichannel shopping, starting with online inspiration and ending with in-store purchases, highlighting the importance of web-to-store strategies.
The beauty of this platform is that it allows consumers to start on their journey of inspiration and seamlessly transition these ideas to kitchen industry design and sales professionals, who can refine the design and layout, generate pricing and renderings, create item lists, schedule deliveries and more.
HomeByMe is driven by an understanding of the challenges faced by designers when they use complex tools and heavy software. Its solutions include the HomeByMe Kitchen Experience and HomeByMe Bathroom Experience, which include planners and an application to facilitate sales operations management. This end-to-end solution is dedicated to kitchen and bath specialists, combining best-in-class 3D space planning with sales operations and management capabilities.
Designers and consumers may generate plans in less than 10 minutes with the web-based software, which incorporates 150 business rules for safety and security, ensuring reliable designs.
HomeByMe is highly user-friendly for consumers as well as design, manufacturing and distribution professionals. It requires minimal training, is intuitive to use, and includes a guided design approach, automatic layout proposals and embedded business rules.
“The kitchen and bathroom markets’ need for digital transformation became evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, with consumers seeking online inspiration and purchases,” said Ricky Vescovacci, North America sales representative for HomeByMe. “HomeByMe’s solutions meet this evolving market demand, providing online, cloud-based and omnichannel options. The K&B sector requires specific functionality and adheres to industry-specific rules, making standard software solutions unsuitable. Our offerings take these factors into account, including security considerations. As the industry undergoes significant transformation, both online and in physical stores, there is a growing demand for 3D layout and design solutions. Our solutions match the needs of both consumers and sales, providing user-friendly tools to meet the unique requirements of this sector.”
HomeByMe aims to accompany K&B companies in the U.S. through a successful transition, leveraging the expertise and experience the company has gained in Europe.
“By offering specific solutions and dedicated support, we seek to become a trusted partner for K&B businesses,” said Vescovacci. “We are committed to developing our awareness and reputation in the North American market. While we are well-known in Europe, we acknowledge the need to increase our visibility in North America. As we just entered the North American market, our focus is on establishing a strong presence, building relationships with key industry players, and showcasing the value and benefits of HomeByMe’s offerings.”
HomeByMe will host an informative one-hour online webinar on Sept. 26. “From Inspiration to Reality: Experience HomeByMe Kitchen Planner in action” will detail and demonstrate the features and advantages of the solution. Register here.
For more insights on the transformation of the Kitchen market, consumer expectations and expert retail analysis, download the HomeByMe Consumer Survey Report. To contact HomeByMe for additional information, go here.
