Acuitis, a leading French eyewear boutique, has embraced digitalization by implementing the Materialise Eyewear Fitting Suite in over 100 of its stores across France. This innovative tool brings a new level of personalization to their customer experience.
Frederic Beausoleil, Artistic Director at Acuitis and an eyewear designer for over 30 years, aptly described the Eyewear Fitting Suite as “simplexity.” While it appears simple on the surface, the tool is actually quite complex. An in-store optician begins by capturing a 3D scan of the customer’s face. Using 3D rendering software, they can then guide the customer through digital twins of the available frames that are true to life and based on their physical data.
The Materialise Eyewear Fitting Suite tool is easy for retailers like Acuitis to learn and use. The customer experience is fast and smooth. On the surface, it’s remarkably simple: an in-store optician begins each consultation by capturing a 3D scan of the customer’s face. Using 3D rendering software, they can then guide their guest through true-to-life digital twins of the available frames, with suggestions based on their physical data.
The technology is powerful, with a sophisticated algorithm creating accurate facial reconstructions using over 10 million data points. This not only ensures that the frames are true to life but also allows for on-demand customization.
Besides providing a more personalized and better-fitting solution for Acuitis customers, the Materialise Eyewear Fitting Suite has broader implications. The suite also promotes inclusivity by accommodating different face shapes. The adoption of this tool has greatly improved the customer experience at Acuitis, while maintaining a human connection. The 3D scanning technology has been well received, enhancing the customer experience.
The tool’s transparency is significant, as it brings objectivity and impartiality to the process, easing customers’ concerns. On the tablet, customers can try out different models, encouraging them to try new frames or styles. Using the platform is easy, and training for the tablet was simple. The Materialise Eyewear Fitting Suite is popular among customers and opticians, attracting people to the stores and generating sales. Word of mouth is having a real impact, with 50% of customers purchasing a 3D printed frame. This leads to an increased average purchase amount. 3D collections are popular and customers are not concerned about the price because they understand the value and enjoy the experience of designing their own frames.
The Materialise Eyewear Fitting Suite could revolutionize inventory management by allowing for a fully virtual inventory, enabling AM of eyewear frames to scale into millions of parts produced yearly. The adoption of digital tools has benefits for eyewear designers as well, allowing for the creation of unique and innovative products.
Personalization and the use of digital twins are powerful trends in Acuitis boutiques. The collection includes three distinctive yet complementary styles, ranging from a classic Nordic theme to iconic shapes with a modern twist, and concluding with a more structural design. It’s a fusion of modernism and avant-garde that can only be achieved through 3D printing.
However, what matters most to Frederic and his fellow designers is how these technologies can meet the needs of their customers. When combined with innovations like digital twins, they have the potential to revolutionize the eyewear industry.
“Personalization is a significant trend across multiple industries today. There is a growing demand for it. The ability to offer made-to-measure frames addresses this demand: choose your shape, choose your color, choose your size. It’s a genuine innovation and a significant advantage for our customers,” Frederic explains.
He adds, “Digital twins were originally developed in medicine, but in terms of optics, we are the leaders. We know how to leverage this significant innovation. It’s an exceptionally unique offering in retail and completely disruptive. People are amazed when they have their faces scanned and see their fully digitized faces with a frame on them. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience.”
“We were impressed with the Eyewear Fitting Suite as it provides more than just an app with virtual try-on features,” commented Guénola Giangrasso, Director of Marketing and Communication at Acuitis. “It also offers sizing recommendations. I don’t just try out a frame — the frame sits perfectly on my face because its measurements are determined by the shape and size of my face and my pupillary distance.”
Looking ahead, Acuitis wonders what the future holds. Has the system left a lasting impression? According to Guénola, the answer is a resounding yes.
“We have numerous plans for the future,” she said. “There could be new shapes, new materials, or new colors. We rely on Materialise for their suggestions and innovations in these areas. But one thing is certain, the range of possibilities is simply extraordinary.”
