One of the most powerful features of architectural modeling software is the ability to accurately quantify materials in a project.
Modumate
Super Schedule
Product Design • UX Research
Design In, Data Out
The schedules feature started as a common pain from our user research. We took a holistic approach and rethought what a schedule could be, testing and implementing it in most of the core parts of Modumate. This feature, crucial for 3D modeling software, ensures accurate model quantifications, offering significant time and cost savings for architects and builders by making data extraction straightforward and reliable.
Goals:
Understanding Precedents
Architects communicate design intent through structured drawing sets and expansive tables called schedules. These generally include references to help builders understand what to build and where. We conducted research to identify that these tables are a key pain and are a leading cause for RFIs on longer lead time items like windows and doors.
Live Quantities as Schedules
Schedules tend to be the last thing put into a drawing set but can become a resource to make better BIM models. We designed the super schedule feature as a modeling aid that was powerful and flexible enough to be shared with builders and clients. To do this, we built a table system that was visually grouped yet flexible enough to handle various types of building parts and assemblies.
Implementation
The quantities feature was tech-debt that became a feature through the implementation of the data it could quantify. We worked with pilot customers to identify an MVP for quantities in the modeling workflow and expanded the feature to include new detail cards identifying assembly data related to the selected instance and it’s family. We also extended the feature to include cost data which helped increase paid subscriptions.
Share
The quantities feature and schedules became the first deliverable Modumate allowed users to share with clients. With a single click, project data sheets were available on the web and included renderings, door and window schedules, drawings, and FF&W lists.
Impact
Adoption of the super schedule was quick with over half of users accessing the tool and creating exports within the first month of availability. It also was also one of the most common features new subscribers cited when choosing to upgrade to a paid subscription.