Autodesk Design Review on the iPad Feedback

The other day I showed a picture of AutoCAD LT running on an iPad. I postulated that we could do the same thing for Autodesk Design Review. The sticking point is that the technology used for the picture requires an Internet connection. Though the technology allows for locally saved files, as long as you are running from a server, I posed the question about saving your designs in the cloud. Boy did the feedback pour in.

Here's how you responded.

Responses: YES 32, NO 4, No Opinion 5

The vast majority of those who responded would like to be able to review design data on an iPad. Only a few did not. One response included the phrase "Meh for the iPad. Give me an Android app!" Actually a few people mentioned Android, Chrome, iPhones, and the Macintosh computer itself.

Responses: YES 9, NO 16, No Opinion 16

Not everyone answered this question as part of their response, but for those that did, almost 2 to 1, requiring an internet connection is a no-go. Job sites are often in areas that do not have great reception.

Responses: YES 12, NO 9, No Opinion 20

As with question 2, not everyone was explicit in their response with regard to answering this question, but for those who were, it was almost evenly split between those who would store their designs in the cloud and those who would not. Most people would like the option but it could not be the only option. Many pointed to the security used by banks and how it should be possible to apply the same technology to CAD data. Even for those who would use the cloud, the need for an offline mode was mentioned loud and clear.

So given this feedback, we may investigate more technologies before proceeding with a technology preview of our own. We could have a technology preview in the future. If you are an iPad user and would like to try this type of solution for yourself, Citrix currently has a project that involves Autodesk Design Review. As I mentioned in our discussion forum a while back:

1. On the iPad, go to the App Store.

2. Get and install the Citrix App.

3. Fire up the Citrix App and request a demo.

4. Citrix will email you a connection to their server that has Autodesk Design Review on it.

With a good Internet connection, it seems like a native experience.

Listening to customers as part of charting our furure is alive in the lab.

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06/14/2010: Updated to include additional responses that came in.