Knauf Insulation – Starting a Digital Transformation with a Customer-Centric Content Strategy and Website
A Digital Solution for Insulation Contractors and Homeowners
Knauf Pro+ Mobile App for iOS
Knauf Insulation, Inc. (Knauf), a leading North American manufacturer of fiberglass insulation, is part of Knauf Group, a family-owned global manufacturer of building materials based in Iphofen, Germany. Knauf manufactures thermal and acoustical fiberglass insulation for residential, commercial, industrial, and metal building applications. Knauf offers a wide range of products, including products that support to professional retrofitters in their efforts to improve energy efficiency in older homes. Knauf also functions as a strategic partner for its network of distributors who serve these retrofit contractors by delivering digital solutions that make work more efficient.
Starting with a Strategy
Recognizing the challenges faced by contractors and DIY consumers in planning retrofit projects, Knauf developed the Knauf Pro+ Mobile App for iOS, a groundbreaking tool designed to simplify insulation assessments and material selection.
The Problem: Outdated Tools and Inefficient Processes
To plan home energy efficiency retrofit projects, most of the contractors who use Knauf products were using inefficient tools and legacy processes such as:
Measuring attic and wall spaces with tape measures or lasers
Calculating R-values manually
Manually looking up the correct insulation products for the space and climate zone
These analog processes introduced inefficacies and errors, such as incorrect measurements, inaccurate material estimates, and delays in project completion.
“We talked to contractors and they said they still go out with pencil and paper, write all this stuff down, and then go back into the office and transcribe it so materials can get ordered,” said Morse. “We saw a good opportunity to leverage technology to make that whole process easier for our partner network.” Morse turned first to Rightpoint, a longtime Knauf partner on experience creation, to plan an app for these contractors.
Work
The Solution: A Digital First Approach
Knauf partnered with Rightpoint, a trusted digital experience agency, to design and develop the Knauf Pro+ app. The app was built to address key pain points in the contractor workflow including:
Assessment accuracy: Legacy methods often led to errors in measurements and material selection.
Decision making support: Contractors, especially those with less experience, lacked tools to guide them in selecting the right products for specific projects.
The app integrates cutting-edge technologies like augmented reality (AR) and LiDAR -- a remote sensing technology that uses pulsed laser light to measure distances and create precise 3D maps of environments -- to modernize field workflows, reduce errors, and streamline the insulation planning process.
Key Features of the Knauf Pro+ App
Simplifying Complex Workflows
The Knauf Pro+ app was designed with user-friendly guided workflows to support contractors of all experience levels. Key features include:
AR and LiDAR integration: Enables precise room measurements and 3D modeling of spaces.
Smart calculators: Converts measurements into real-time recommendations based on Knauf’s catalog of products and climate zone in which the user is present.
FLIR thermal camera compatibility: Detects drafts and enhances energy efficiency assessments.
Intuitive reporting tools: Simplifies the creation of project reports for material ordering and client communication.
Rapid Development and User-Centric Design
The app was developed in 6 months thanks to continuous feedback from contractors during the design process. “We got the app in the hands of contractors in four months,” said Ryan Sponseller, Director of Product Management at Rightpoint. “We spoke with them throughout the process to get input from subject matter experts as we worked toward a wider public launch. Some of them were already used to using digital tools, others were most comfortable using pen and paper. Talking to that range of users was incredibly helpful.”
Expanding to DIY Consumers
“While initially designed for contractors, the app also appeals to DIY homeowners looking to improve their home’s energy efficiency. The app gives DIYers the confidence to measure their spaces and select the right insulation products,” said Morse.
Outcomes and Industry Recognition
The Knauf Pro+ app aims to transform the insulation industry by offering a seamless, technology-driven solution for contractors and DIY consumers. Key outcomes include:
Opportunity for improved efficiency: Contractors can now measure spaces, estimate material needs, and select products in minutes, while also reducing errors and delays.
Brand leadership: Knauf has positioned itself as a digital innovator, earning loyalty from contractors and recognition in the industry.
The app has also received accolades, including the Platinum dotCOMM Award for Innovative New App. Its integration with FLIR thermal cameras has garnered praise from FLIR’s technical team as well.
Technology Behind the App
The Knauf Pro+ app leverages advanced technologies to deliver a seamless user experience.
Swift: Native iOS development
ARKit: Augmented reality capabilities
Azure Functions: Cloud-based API integration
Figma: UX design and prototyping
Google Analytics 4 + Craslytics: Performance monitoring and analytics
The Future for Retrofit is Here
“Working with Rightpoint to develop the Knauf Pro+ app has been an exciting experience because of the potential impact for contractors and DIYers and the fast time to market. One of the features that always impresses new users is the app’s scanning ability using augmented reality. You just look at your screen and watch the app draw virtual lines to measure the room and create a 3D model of the space that’s then used to generate product and quantity recommendations. This is the first app that I have personally seen in the market with a customer-centric solution.” Dave Morse, Digital Innovation Product Manager, Knauf Insulation North America
The Knauf Pro+ app is now available in the Apple App Store, offering a revolutionary way to plan insulation projects. By combining cutting-edge technology with user-centric design, Knauf has set a new standard for innovation in the insulation industry.
Your Invitation
Learn more about how Rightpoint can help your organization develop apps that transform your user experience. Contact us to arrange a conversation about your digital technology needs and business goals.
Our Contributions
Capabilities
Digital Experience
Experience Optimization
Product Innovation
Augmented Reality Implementation
App Development and Testing
API Integration
