A DIY App Tool Kit for Pop-Up Build Outs
In our past posts we have addressed the importance of honing in on the goal of your pop-up shop and focusing your production choices on elements that further those goals with branded design direction.
Taking over a space can feel daunting, whether it’s 300 square feet or 3,000. Having worked with brands to create over 65 retail spaces, here is peek into our recommended DIY App tool kit for tackling some of the technical and creative aspects for building out a pop-up shop.
On the technical side, the first key step is to make a blueprint of your store’s floor plan (interior and window display) and utilizing that to begin sketching a custom layout plan for your retail space. For this, we recommend adding Magic Plan to your DIY app tool kit. This app allows you to measure rooms and electronically draws your floor plan just by taking pictures. You can export the floor plan in PDF, JPG and DXF format or publish an interactive floor plan on the web. Once you have this plan you can more effectively think through your ideal layout for customer flow (a grid, a loop or perhaps free flow).
Play with the space with a larger scale print out and mount it to a cork board. Use thumbnail pins (or tape) to create a mini store model and experiment with placement for your store’s hero focal point, display units or racks, teaser areas and check-out counter.
As you plan out placement, you will also want to be sure to keep in mind elements that tell your brand story. One of the most cost effective ways to begin with branding a space is with paint. Clean white walls are great for retail, however a great way to elevate the branded feel is to add an accent wall. Next in your tool kit, you will want to add ColorSnap.
This savvy app allows you to snap an image you are inspired by (perhaps your latest lifestyle shoot) and will then create a color palette for you based on that image. Once you’ve found a color, you can easily adjust by hue, lightness and saturation. You can get even more ideas with the instant coordinating-color recommendations.
Selecting a palette is just the beginning to telling your story. Whether it’s a seasonal spotlight, a lifestyle message or a behind the scenes look into your design process, be sure to pre-plan an impactful window design and “speed bump” areas throughout your retail store. For this we recommend adding Pinterest to your App Tool Kit. Begin early with creating secret DIY boards for your window and interior displays, and don’t be shy to lean on nature for inspiration for counters, racks and shelving.
Lastly, you will want to be equipped to evenly mount your shelves, photos and signage, so next we recommend the I-Handy Level App
All you need to do is hold your device upright, place the bottom edge of the device on the flat surface and Calibrate. You will look like a true pro in no time!
Store design will always require a well thought out approach and being prepared with a DIY App tool kit is a solid way to start planning your storytelling process.