SOCIAL MEDIA AS DESIGN INSPIRATION
PINTEREST FOR CREATING MOODBOARDS
Designers often use Pinterest as a source of inspiration, collating ideas for future projects by using the in-app 'Create your own Board' feature. The integration of Pinterest within search engines such as Google allows the user to 'pin' ideas from external webpages to existing moodboards.
The app also provides a the user with various privacy settings, allowing for boards to be kept secret or set to public. Users are able to search for other profiles, as well as pre-existing boards created by other accounts.
The user is notified each time an image of theirs is saved by another account, allowing for the impression of the image to be tracked by its creator. A product is often promoted through the saving of a pin to a designer’s moodboard, providing an alternative way of discovering items for sale.
Compared to Pinterest, Instagram primarily works through the sharing of the user’s own photos. Brands are able to curate their page with various shots of the luxury products on offer; when permitted, the use of in situ photographs demonstrates how the product might work within the designed space.
The ‘tag’ feature on Instagram also works well in identifying a specific product used within a photoshoot. The interior designer works with the stylist to curate the selected objects within the space, often sourcing featured items from a number of companies. By tagging each company whose products feature within the shot, the user is able to discover a number of luxury brands from one image.
Direct messaging has greatly influenced the ease at which information is obtained when looking to invest in luxury homeware. With the messaging feature integrated into both personal and business accounts, enquiries surrounding a particular product featured within a post can be made instantly. Business accounts are also able to create links within their posts, directing the user to the external product page when clicked.
