Although the impact of AI on the interior design industry is not yet fully foreseeable, huge opportunities are already opening up. As with previous advances in automation and digital technology, designers who integrate AI into their workflows will be able to increase efficiency and better meet the growing demands of customers. Cyncly, a provider of end-to-end software solutions for the furniture and interior design industry, is actively driving the development of AI in the industry through ongoing investment. Christian Pfeifer, Senior Sales Director at Cyncly and CEO of Compusoft AG Germany, has given his thoughts on the topic of AI in the furnishing sector:

The furniture industry in Germany is facing major challenges. According to the latest reports from the German furniture industry associations (VDM/VHK), sales fell by 12.6% last year, particularly in the living room, dining room and bedroom furniture sector. The weak construction sector and the subdued consumer climate are contributing to this development. In view of this situation, designers and retailers have to work more efficiently and at the same time meet the high expectations of their customers.

Cyncly believes that AI will profoundly change the way consumers discover, try, buy and experience interior products. In this context, the implementation of AI technologies can be of great benefit to designers and retailers. AI offers new opportunities to improve efficiency and, for example, streamline labor-intensive, repetitive tasks for designers and retailers.

AI is also likely to have an impact on three aspects of the customer journey in this area: Inspiration, design and sales. In terms of inspiration, generative AI can help translate customer preferences into inspiring images. These images help designers to create an end product that matches the customer’s vision. AI can also help them to automatically create high-quality renderings with optimal lighting, for example.

In addition, personalized sales processes are possible, based on users’ individual preferences, budgets and inspiration boards. Another advantage lies in error prevention: AI has the potential to validate designs and identify errors before they are presented to customers, saving time and avoiding costly corrections during the project cycle. Finally, AI helps designers close sales faster by highlighting the relevant features for each customer in customized sales pitches.

The success of AI applications depends heavily on the availability and quality of two aspects: Industry expertise and real data.

Industry knowledge is essential to develop specific applications that support and enhance the customer’s buying process. While general purpose tools like ChatGPT have a wide range of applications and can deliver amazing results, the most valuable vertical solutions are developed by teams with a deep understanding of industry dynamics, workflows and data structures.

Data is just as indispensable. The performance of open source AI models is increasing – but they only develop their full potential with industry-specific data.

Cyncly utilizes an extensive database built over years of collaboration with manufacturers and designers. These “digital twins” of real products allow Cyncly to train AI models with billions of data points and countless combinations containing descriptions and configurations of products from over 9000 manufacturers. The result is powerful features that combine AI with 3D: By combining AI with Cyncly’s extensive catalog data, the company helps consumers and designers create spaces that are both visually appealing and highly functional.

AI will fundamentally change the process of designing and selling interiors. However, designers should not fear this technology, but rather see it as a tool that complements their expertise and opens up new possibilities. The combination of human creativity and AI-driven solutions leads to unique, customized designs that inspire customers.

With the opening of an AI Innovation Center at the end of 2023, Cyncly is setting a strong example for the future of the industry. AI experts will work with seasoned interior design industry veterans to develop advanced, industry-specific AI technologies that support and optimize the entire customer journey process – from inspiration to design to sales. Cyncly’s vision is to establish AI as an integral part of the customer journey, improving and connecting all workflows.