Ease of Use:  

Like all design-based software programs, ease of use is as much an issue of user computer specs as it is organization of interface or efficiency of design process.

While MyVirtualHome ran with modest results and some delay on a computer whose specs matched the program’s minimum requirements, it operated much more smoothly with markedly less lag time when run using a computer with more powerful processors and greater internal memory. One issue that did arise in both cases, though, was the display limitations. Formatting the interface to fit a vertical panel monitor proved impossible; though, this tends to occur with many programs whose interface requires a certain display setting ratio not possible when vertical.

MyVirtualHome has as very strong foundation in place to do for the North American housing market what it did for its Australian counterpart: provide the tools and features for users to design homes anew or renovate their current home while defraying the cost, the time required and the resources necessary to do so the traditional way. However, while the infrastructure is there, it might be a few months, or even years, before the networks between consumers, contractors and design professionals reaches the level it has in certain cities and markets in Australia. In the meantime, though, MyVirtualHome does provide users with the features and tools necessary to communicate ideas efficiently to contractors and design professionals, regardless of how they came into contact.

As MyVirtualHome continues to improve and expand its program capabilities, it might want to put more attention on improving the design process itself, which, though enabling users great design liberties, lacks a stratified process that makes other programs like Punch Professional Home Design Suite so easy to use.

Though it comes in at the number 5 spot, MyVirtualHome is likely to, with the growth of its networks and a few design process improvements, become among the elite in Home Design software programs. Even at their next update, MyVirtualHome will likely see movement reflected here on the TopTenREVIEWS Home Design software review site.