A Survey and Analysis on the Current Status of the Mobile Applications for Garden Design

This study aimed to examine the current status of mobile applications for garden design and extract valuable contents for the development of garden design programs for future reference. Mobile applications released in Korean or English on Google Play App Market as of July, 2018 were analyzed in this study (1 application in Korea and 14 applications overseas). The purposes of this study are to analyze the components of the programs for those who actually intend to create a garden and to use it as a resource for developing mobile applications for garden design. Thus, program components and contents were analyzed for garden design applications based on real space (1 application in Korea and 3 applications overseas) that could actually help users. The analysis of mobile applications for garden design shows that while overseas garden programs are rapidly developing in various fields, the number of garden design mobile applications developed in Korea and the amount of information platforms are significantly insufficient. This study suggested flowchart for garden design mobile applications based on the analysis results of existing garden design application. This flowchart includes a series of processes from planning/designing gardens to purchasing plants and facilities to constructing/maintaining gardens for users who intend to design and create a real garden. Furthermore, this study proposed a freemium business model based on 4R(Reflex, Reality, Real place, Real communication) marketing strategies for mobile applications. Realistic experiences can be increased through graphics and information about gardens and plants provided in this study, and location-based information services as well as the creation of systems connected with vendors and suppliers of products related to gardens can induce consumers' purchasing behaviors. Additionally PR activities through various garden-related cultural events are expected to attract more users.