
smarc design guide
SMARC Design Guide: A Comprehensive Overview (2026)
SMARC, or Smart Mobility ARChitecture, is detailed in the 2․2 (2025) Design Guide, alongside hardware specifications (v1․1, May 29th)․
Contreras-Figueroa’s research (2023) informs its development, emphasizing adaptable dashboard information visualization, guided by Few’s principles․
SMARC, standing for Smart Mobility ARChitecture, represents a pivotal shift in design methodologies, particularly within interconnected systems․ The SMARC Design Guide (version 2․2, dated 2025․06․18) serves as the foundational document, complemented by hardware specifications released on May 29th․ This architecture isn’t merely about technological integration; it’s a holistic approach to creating intelligent environments․
Central to SMARC’s success is the emphasis on adaptable dashboards, drawing heavily from the dashboard design recommendations established by Few․ Contreras-Figueroa’s research (2023) further explores the nuances of information visualization within these dynamic interfaces, crucial for smart city applications and beyond․ The core principle revolves around optimizing workflows, reducing costs, and fostering smarter living and working spaces, as championed by Smart Design, a strategic design company founded in 1980․
What is Smart Mobility ARChitecture (SMARC)?
SMARC – Smart Mobility ARChitecture – is a comprehensive framework for designing and implementing intelligent systems across diverse sectors․ It’s more than just a technical specification; it’s a strategic approach to enhancing performance and usability․ The SMARC Design Guide (2․2, 2025) details its principles, building upon hardware specifications (v1․1, May 29th) and research by Contreras-Figueroa (2023)․
At its heart, SMARC aims to create interconnected environments – from smart factories utilizing Autodesk Inventor for optimized design, to photovoltaic systems designed with SmartDesign software, and even marine vessel applications․ Effective implementation relies on adaptable dashboards, informed by Few’s design guide, and leveraging technologies like Huawei FusionSolar․ Ultimately, SMARC facilitates smarter living, working, and resource management, aligning with the vision of companies like Smart Design․
SMARC Design Guide Versions and Updates
The SMARC Design Guide is a living document, evolving to reflect advancements in smart mobility technologies and design best practices․ Currently, version 2․2 (released June 18, 2025) represents the most up-to-date resource for designers and implementers․ This builds upon earlier iterations and incorporates findings from research, notably Contreras-Figueroa’s work (2023) on adaptable dashboard information visualization․
Prior to version 2․2, hardware specifications were detailed in version 1․1 (May 29th)․ Ongoing updates address emerging trends like AI-powered design tools – exemplified by Canva AI Mastery (2025) – and integration with platforms like Huawei FusionSolar; Future revisions will likely incorporate performance-based design principles and insights from resources like getAbstract’s summary of “Smart Design for Performance․” Staying current with these updates is crucial for optimal SMARC implementation․

Core Principles of SMARC Design
SMARC design prioritizes adaptable dashboards, informed by Few’s guide, and strategic design for improved living and working spaces, focusing on performance․
Dashboard Design Recommendations (Few’s Guide)
SMARC design strongly advocates utilizing the dashboard design recommendations developed by Stephen Few․ This approach centers on creating displays that effectively communicate information, enabling quick and informed decision-making․ Few’s principles emphasize simplicity, clarity, and a focus on essential data points․
Effective dashboards, as per Few’s guidance, avoid clutter and unnecessary visual elements․ Instead, they prioritize direct labeling, appropriate chart selection, and a logical visual hierarchy․ The goal is to present data in a manner that is easily understood at a glance, minimizing cognitive load for the user․
Contreras-Figueroa’s research specifically highlights the importance of information visualization within these adaptable dashboards, reinforcing the need for a thoughtful and user-centered design process aligned with Few’s established best practices for SMARC implementation․
Information Visualization in Adaptable Dashboards
SMARC systems necessitate robust information visualization within adaptable dashboards to effectively manage complex data streams․ Contreras-Figueroa’s 2023 research analyzes literature focusing on this crucial aspect, emphasizing the need for dynamic displays that respond to changing conditions and user needs․
Adaptable dashboards, in the context of SMARC, must move beyond static representations․ They require the ability to adjust data presentation based on context, user roles, and real-time events․ Effective visualization techniques, like clear charting and concise labeling, are paramount․
This adaptability ensures that critical information is always readily accessible and understandable, supporting informed decision-making in smart environments․ The research underscores the importance of aligning visualization strategies with the core principles of SMARC architecture․
Strategic Design for Smart Living and Working
SMARC’s impact extends to fundamentally reshaping how we live and work, demanding a strategic design approach․ Smart Design, founded in 1980, embodies this philosophy, assisting individuals and organizations in optimizing their environments for enhanced efficiency and well-being․
This strategic design isn’t merely about aesthetics; it’s about creating functional, intuitive spaces that seamlessly integrate technology․ A guide to transforming homes with smart design emphasizes innovative tips and tricks for stylish, practical living․
For workplaces, SMARC-driven design focuses on optimizing workflows and fostering collaboration․ Ultimately, strategic SMARC design aims to create environments that proactively support human needs, leading to increased productivity and a higher quality of life․

SMARC Design for Specific Applications
SMARC principles are applied across diverse sectors, including smart factories (Autodesk Inventor), photovoltaic systems (SmartDesign), and marine vessel design, showcasing its versatility․
Smart Factory Design with Autodesk Inventor
Autodesk Inventor plays a crucial role in implementing SMARC principles within smart factory design, offering seven proven lessons for optimization in 2025․
These lessons focus on streamlining workflows and significantly reducing operational costs through intelligent design and integration․ Utilizing Inventor allows for the creation of digital twins, enabling predictive maintenance and enhanced resource allocation․
SMARC-aligned factory layouts, designed in Inventor, prioritize adaptability and scalability, accommodating future technological advancements and evolving production needs․ This approach fosters a more resilient and efficient manufacturing environment․
Furthermore, the software facilitates collaboration between design, engineering, and production teams, ensuring seamless implementation of SMARC-driven solutions․ The goal is to embrace Industry 4․0 standards and achieve peak performance․
Photovoltaic (PV) System Design using SmartDesign
SmartDesign software is specifically tailored for designing photovoltaic (PV) systems and energy storage solutions, aligning with SMARC’s focus on sustainable infrastructure․

The software provides comprehensive basic functions and operation instructions, enabling efficient and accurate system modeling․ A key aspect involves manual electrical design capabilities within SmartDesign, allowing for customized configurations and optimization․
Integration with Huawei FusionSolar further enhances design possibilities, offering seamless data exchange and monitoring capabilities․ This synergy ensures optimal performance and reliability of PV installations․
SmartDesign facilitates the creation of detailed system layouts, component selection, and performance simulations, all crucial for maximizing energy yield and minimizing costs․ The software supports various PV technologies and configurations, catering to diverse project requirements․
Marine Vessel and Offshore Unit Design
This SMARC-aligned Design Guide is intended for owners, operators, designers, shipyards, and equipment providers within the marine and offshore sectors․
It provides essential guidance for the design and implementation of smart technologies on marine vessels and offshore units, enhancing operational efficiency and safety․
The guide covers a broad spectrum of considerations, from initial concept development to detailed engineering and system integration․ It emphasizes the importance of adaptable systems capable of withstanding harsh marine environments․
Key areas addressed include smart navigation, automated control systems, predictive maintenance, and remote monitoring capabilities․ The document details best practices for integrating these technologies while adhering to stringent safety regulations and industry standards․
Ultimately, this guide aims to facilitate the creation of smarter, more sustainable, and safer marine operations․

SmartDesign Software & Tools
SmartDesign offers basic functions and operation instructions for PV system design, alongside manual electrical design capabilities, and integrates with Huawei FusionSolar platforms․
SmartDesign: Basic Functions and Operation Instructions
SmartDesign software serves as a crucial tool for designing photovoltaic (PV) systems and broader energy solutions within the SMARC framework․ The software provides a comprehensive suite of functions, beginning with fundamental system layout and component selection․
Operation instructions detail navigating the interface, importing site-specific data, and defining electrical parameters․ Users can model various PV array configurations, incorporating inverters, cabling, and protection devices․
A key feature is the ability to perform detailed shading analysis, optimizing array placement for maximum energy yield․ SmartDesign also facilitates generating comprehensive reports, including bill of materials, performance predictions, and compliance documentation․
The software’s intuitive design aims to streamline the design process, enabling engineers and installers to efficiently create robust and reliable PV systems․ V․ Contreras-Figueroa’s work (2023) supports its utility․
Manual Electrical Design in SmartDesign
SmartDesign allows for granular control through manual electrical design capabilities, supplementing automated features within the SMARC ecosystem․ This functionality is essential for complex projects requiring customized solutions beyond standard configurations․
Users can define conductor sizes, voltage drop calculations, and protection device coordination manually, ensuring adherence to specific project requirements and local electrical codes․ The software facilitates detailed single-line diagram creation, enabling precise representation of the electrical system․
This manual approach is particularly valuable when integrating diverse components or addressing unique site conditions․ It allows engineers to fine-tune system performance and optimize safety parameters․
Understanding these manual processes is crucial for maximizing SmartDesign’s potential and achieving optimal results, especially when dealing with intricate PV or energy storage systems․
Huawei FusionSolar Integration with SmartDesign
SmartDesign facilitates seamless integration with Huawei’s FusionSolar platform, streamlining the design and deployment of photovoltaic (PV) systems within a SMARC framework․ This connection allows for direct data exchange, reducing errors and accelerating project timelines․
Users can import FusionSolar component libraries directly into SmartDesign, ensuring compatibility and accurate system modeling․ The integration supports detailed simulations, optimizing energy yield and grid interaction․
A 5-minute camp tutorial (PVESS standard design) demonstrates the process, highlighting benefits like cost reduction and improved system performance; This synergy enables efficient design of large-scale solar installations, leveraging Huawei’s advanced inverter technology․
By combining SmartDesign’s comprehensive design tools with FusionSolar’s monitoring and management capabilities, projects benefit from enhanced control and long-term operational efficiency․

Advanced SMARC Concepts

SMARC extends to smart cities and IoT integration, demanding performance-based design and leveraging AI tools like Canva for innovative, intelligent solutions․
Smart Cities and the Internet of Things (IoT)
SMARC’s integration with Smart Cities hinges on the expansive capabilities of the Internet of Things (IoT)․ This synergy necessitates a holistic design approach, considering interconnected systems and data flows within urban environments․
Effective SMARC implementation in smart cities requires adaptable dashboards capable of visualizing complex information, as highlighted by Contreras-Figueroa’s research on information visualization․ These dashboards must process data from diverse IoT devices – sensors, networks, and connected infrastructure – to provide actionable insights․
SoftwareAG’s IoT guide (referenced November 22, 2023) provides valuable resources for understanding the foundational elements of IoT within a smart city context․ The goal is to optimize resource management, enhance citizen services, and improve overall urban sustainability through intelligent, data-driven design principles inherent in SMARC․
Ultimately, SMARC facilitates a responsive and efficient urban ecosystem powered by the pervasive connectivity of IoT․
Performance-Based Smart Design
SMARC’s core philosophy centers on performance-based design, prioritizing measurable outcomes and optimized functionality․ This approach moves beyond aesthetic considerations to focus on tangible improvements in efficiency, sustainability, and user experience․
Peter Tollmann et al․’s work, summarized by getAbstract, underscores the importance of strategic design for achieving peak performance․ Applying these principles to SMARC means establishing clear performance indicators and iteratively refining designs based on data analysis․
This methodology extends to all applications of SMARC, from smart factory optimization using Autodesk Inventor to photovoltaic system design with SmartDesign․
The emphasis is on creating systems that not only meet immediate needs but also demonstrate long-term value and adaptability, ensuring a robust return on investment and a future-proofed infrastructure․
Canva AI Mastery for Smart Design
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the SMARC framework unlocks new possibilities for rapid prototyping and enhanced design capabilities․ The “Canva AI Mastery: The Complete User Guide” (2025) highlights the potential of AI-powered tools for streamlining the design process․
SMARC designers can utilize Canva’s Magic Tools to automate repetitive tasks, generate design variations, and explore innovative solutions quickly․ This allows for a more iterative and data-driven approach to design, aligning with the principles of performance-based optimization․
AI assists in creating visually compelling and informative dashboards, crucial for effective data visualization within SMARC applications․
Mastering Canva’s AI features empowers designers to focus on strategic thinking and problem-solving, ultimately leading to smarter, more efficient, and user-centric SMARC implementations․

Resources and Further Learning
SMARC Design Guide 2․2 (2025) and Contreras-Figueroa’s research offer valuable insights․ Explore getAbstract’s summary of “Smart Design for Performance” for deeper understanding․

SMARC Design Guide 2․2 (2025)
SMARC Design Guide version 2․2, released in June 18, 2025, serves as a foundational resource for implementing Smart Mobility ARChitecture․ This guide builds upon earlier hardware specifications (Version 1․1, dated May 29th) and incorporates research from key figures like Contreras-Figueroa, whose work in 2023 significantly contributed to its development․
The guide emphasizes a strategic approach to design, aligning with principles championed by Smart Design, a company established in 1980․ It advocates for leveraging dashboard design recommendations, specifically those outlined in Few’s guide, to create effective and intuitive interfaces․ Furthermore, the 2025 edition acknowledges the growing importance of AI-powered tools, referencing Canva AI Mastery as a resource for enhancing design capabilities․
This version also points towards resources for specific applications, including smart factory design utilizing Autodesk Inventor, and photovoltaic (PV) system design with SmartDesign software․ It’s a comprehensive document intended for a broad audience, from marine vessel designers to those involved in smart city initiatives․
Contreras-Figueroa’s Research on SMARC
V․ Contreras-Figueroa’s research, prominently cited in the SMARC Design Guide, focuses on the critical role of information visualization within adaptable dashboards for smart cities․ Published in 2023 and further developed through 2025, this work analyzes how effectively data can be presented to facilitate informed decision-making in complex urban environments․
Her studies emphasize the need for dynamic interfaces capable of responding to real-time data streams and user needs․ This research directly informs the dashboard design recommendations within the SMARC framework, advocating for principles aligned with Few’s guide to ensure clarity and usability․

Contreras-Figueroa’s contributions extend to understanding the interplay between data representation and user cognition, ultimately aiming to optimize the effectiveness of smart city technologies․ Her work, cited twice, is foundational to the SMARC approach to intelligent system design and implementation․
getAbstract Summary: Smart Design for Performance
getAbstract provides a concise summary of “Smart Design for Performance” by Peter Tollmann et al․, highlighting its relevance to the broader SMARC Design Guide philosophy․ The summary emphasizes a strategic approach to design, focusing on optimizing outcomes rather than merely aesthetics․
It underscores the importance of understanding user needs and aligning design choices with specific performance goals – a core tenet of the SMARC framework․ The abstract details how effective design can drive efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance overall system functionality, mirroring the objectives of smart mobility and smart factory applications․
This resource reinforces the idea that thoughtful design is a critical component of successful implementation, offering actionable insights for professionals seeking to leverage SMARC principles for tangible improvements․ It’s a valuable complement to the detailed guidance within the SMARC documentation․