Kingspan Insulated Panels has launched KINetic, the first and only social media program created specifically for architects and design professionals.
The core concept of KINetic allows users to create projects or “clusters” of visually prioritized content. With KINetic, design professionals connect with powerful and functional “Spheres of Influence”. The platform mixes crowd-sourcing and collaboration capabilities with user generated content and sharing concepts found in conventional social media.
In an earlier blog post from Metropolis, multi-awarded architect and KINetic beta tester, Lira Luis, states that KINetic reminded her of “a fusion between Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter” but “created specifically for architects and design professionals.” She adds, “It answers a universal emotional need to connect, communicate, and create within the architecture community.”
Perhaps the most useful feature of the KINeticplatform is its built-in resources. Technical information, including data sheets, load span and weight tables, installation guides, and BIM models of products can easily be moved throughout the platform.
Andrea Peters, Director of Marketing for Kingspan said, “With KINetic it’s possible to engage an audience on several specific aspects of architecture, quickly get input needed in the design and decision-making process, and even get a feel for how people would react once the structure is built.”
The KINetic “spheres” provide visual inspiration during a project’s discovery phase and technical information during the design phase. They take into account factors such as the number of comments, number of views, and other forms of user interaction. This user activity is represented by the visual growth and position of the “spheres.”
At the time of this release, KINetic is going through further beta testing. It can be seen in action at Kingspan booth #3943 during Greenbuild 2013 in Philadelphia. Expect KINetic’s official launch in January 2014.
