Level Smart Glasses
Company VSP Global
Introduction Date February 22, 2018
Project Website http://www.leveltechnology.com/
Why is this project worthy of an award?
There are hundreds of activity trackers on the market, yet many have sharp user drop-off. So when VSP set out to create our own form of wearable tech, we started with what we knew best: the eyes. One of our earliest insights was that people tend to give up on their wearable when the object isn’t already part of their everyday life. So we knew our solution shouldn’t require people to change their behavior or add an additional, intrusive device to their wardrobe. Luckily, for millions of people, one piece of wearable technology has already been solving a problem for 700 years: glasses. And knowing smart glasses are the fastest-growing segment in wearables, we jumped at the opportunity to create best-in-class frames that incorporate activity-tracking capabilities. But first, they had to look beautiful. In 2014, the team at our innovation lab, The Shop, started work on Project Genesis, the goal of which was to seamlessly integrate activity-tracking technology into a beautiful piece of eyewear. Through rapid prototyping, alongside a partnership and academic study with the University of Southern California Center for Body Computing, Level smart glasses were born. In the development process, VSP used rapid prototyping techniques to print a 3-D “sketchbook” of 50 physical styles (vs. the traditional 2-D method) to test the frame fronts on a number of faces and finesse the unique physics of the temple that houses the circuitry. The team also designed the Indigo Award-winning accompanying app, which securely tracks your HIPAA-protected data, including steps, distance, calories and total activity time. The result is a fashion-forward collection of Italian-made frames (in four colors) that seamlessly integrate an accelermometer, magnetometer, gyroscope, Bluetooth and battery into the left temple. One of VSP’s greatest assets is our network of 39,000 independent eye doctors. So to solve the tricky problem of distribution, the company rolled out Level inside select optometrists’ offices in six initial U.S. launch markets at a reasonable MSRP of only $270—or about the price of a similar frame in quality and design. We also allowed VSP members (and non-members!) to apply their vision care benefits to purchase Level, making this cutting-edge wearable even more accessible. Plus this way, eye health—and a yearly comprehensive eye exam—remained central to the conversation, just as it should with any eyewear (smart or not). As a mission-driven not-for-profit, VSP also wanted Level smart glasses to give back in a big way. So as users reach daily step goals within the Level app, they earn points redeemable for the donation of a free eye exam and pair of glasses to someone in need through VSP’s Eyes of Hope® charitable giving program. As wearables continue to evolve, devices that meld tech and design with a unique user experience will endure. Are they solving a problem? Are they doing it in an unobtrusive way? Are they beautiful? Sometimes it may not always be about reinventing the wheel. In this case, it was simply reframing a frame.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
USABILITY In a recent study (https://catalyst.nejm.org/stay-abandon-wearable-devices/) of 275 Level wearers, VSP and USC’s Center for Body Computing tested a hypothesis that smart glasses can offer a more comfortable and engaging form factor than activity bands or smartwatches. Activity-tracking is now part of the doctor’s exam checklist, as nearly 40 percent of healthcare providers have prescribed a wearable to their patients to encourage physical activity and even prevent chronic conditions. But few expect that your next wearable can come from your eye doctor, even though 65% of Americans require some form of vision correction and millions are daily eyeglass wearers already. The study also revealed what motivates people to stick with their wearables: •Seamlessness of use. Participants reported satisfaction with having activity-tracking technology embedded in an everyday item, versus a separate wearable. •Digital coaching. Participants increased their step counts by as much as 25 percent per day when prompted with digital coaching via the Level app. •Charitable giving. Participants averaged 700 more daily steps when they could earn points toward the donation of a free eye exam and pair of glasses for someone in need. Bonus? The Level app also features a “Find My Glasses” feature that geo-targets your frames should you misplace them. FASHION In addition to the technological advancements, Level smart glasses are first and foremost a completely stylish and functional pair of glasses. Level captures the most pertinent information—step count, calories burned, and distance traveled—while seamlessly tucking the tech inside three contemporary frame styles. The frames, handcrafted in Italy by VSP’s Marchon Eyewear division, are made with high-quality acetate and stainless-steel accents. They are available in four colors (black, classic tortoise, slate and grey tortoise) and three unisex styles, each named after tech visionaries whose style and smarts they’re channeling: •Minsky: Rectangular frame front. Named after Marvin Minsky, a leader in the field of A.I. •Hedy: Cat-like rectangle frame front with keyhole bridge. Named after Hedy Lamarr, Golden Age Hollywood actress and inventor of “frequency hopping,” which paved the way for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS. •Nikola: Rounded frame front. Named after Nikola Tesla, electrical engineering pioneer. PHILANTHROPY More than two billion people worldwide lack access to proper eye care. To date, VSP’s Eyes of Hope has provided access to free eye care and eyewear for over 1.8 million people in need. As a not-for-profit, this is core to who we are as an organization. So, as we explored ways to differentiate the Level app and create an engaging user experience, syncing the platform with Eyes of Hope made perfect sense. Within the app, you can select from four demographics: elderly, veterans, children, and individuals affected by homelessness. As you reach your daily step goal, you earn a point. Reach a stretch goal? Two points. At 50 points, you trigger the donation of a free comprehensive eye exam and a pair of glasses to someone within your chosen demographic. That’s right: Not just glasses, but a full eye exam to someone right here in the U.S.
Who worked on the project?
• Jasmine Boparai, Scrum Master, The Shop @ VSP Global • Lexie Burstein, Designer, The Shop @ VSP Global • Karen Calhoun, Business Sponsor, VSP Global • Andrew Cook, Senior Software Engineer, The Shop @ VSP Global • Pat Crain, Software Manager, The Shop @ VSP Global • Christine Folck, Product Owner, The Shop @ VSP Global • Shaun Garland, Biomedical Engineer, The Shop @ VSP Global • Kristi Gaudio, Designer, The Shop @ VSP Global • Michelle Hamm, Marketing Manager, VSP Global • Gabe Helman, Software Designer, The Shop @ VSP Global • Kyle Kelt, Technical Software Manager, VSP Global • Richard Klosinski, Hardware Manager, The Shop @ VSP Global • Kim Lim, Product Manager, VSP Global • Jason Lomintz, Software Engineer, The Shop @ VSP Global • Mitch Mason, Hardware Engineer, The Shop @ VSP Global • Carey McLean, Software Engineer, The Shop @ VSP Global • Leslie Muller, Co-Director, The Shop @ VSP Global • Adam Oranchak, Design Engineer, The Shop @ VSP Global • Nandini Parimi, Software Engineer, The Shop @ VSP Global • Jeff Park, Designer, The Shop @ VSP Global • Yvette Plaza-Leclerc, Manufacturing Project Manager, The Shop @ VSP Global • Joseph Rossi, Brand Manager, VSP Global • Jay Sales, Co-Director, The Shop @ VSP Global • Drobromir Tzankov, Software Engineer, The Shop @ VSP Global • Kris Varanelli, Project Manager, VSP Global • Sarah Von der Luft, Designer, The Shop @ VSP Global • Lori Windsor, Product Owner, VSP Global • Matt Workman, Firmware Engineer, The Shop @ VSP Global
View the project video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAVUr9TpQrI
Linjer Tulip Bag
Why is this project worthy of an award?
The Tulip Bag, designed by Linjer, has an eye-catching, one-of-a-kind design. Four leather panels are pulled together by a drawstring, mimicking the petals of a tulip. Inspired by the designers’ lives in Florence, Italy, the bag is made up of three materials artfully combined to evoke the artisanal, aesthetic spirit of the city. The natural Italian vacchetta leather is backed with a resin in a complementary colours, providing a pop of colour. The leather, which is tanned in the old-world style, develops a patina over time, growing more beautiful with use. The lining is a fine Italian linen which is playfully visible between the ‘petals’ of the bag. The bag has an adjustable shoulder strap. The designers made careful consideration of small details to give the bag an artisanal Italian character. This is evident in the use of hand-sewn stitches, hand-painted edging and creasing along the leather borders. Linjer’s Tulip Bag has enjoyed much commercial success. It has captured the hearts of women all around the world; more than 3,000 people pre-ordered the bag, waiting more than four months for it to be released. Linjer is also becoming popular among Hollywood celebrities, with Rashida Jones, Amy Adams, Isla Fisher and Amber Heard seen carrying their unique designs.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
Linjer uses the same suppliers as luxury brands but are committed to keeping their bags and watches accessibly priced. They sell only online, direct to their customers, and run a lean operation. The Tulip Bag is priced at US$425. The Tulip bag has a unique construction and artfully combines materials to create a striking impression. The construction of The Tulip bag is truly one-of-a-kind. The four leather panels are sewn together along the bottom. At the top, the panels are gently folded and arranged together like petals; a drawstring runs through the four ‘petals’, bringing the petals together in a beautiful shape and playfully exposing the resin applied to the back of the leather. Objects placed in the bag are held within a linen lining that is visible between the leather panels. The linen lining has a zipper compartment to protect valuables, and the bag has an adjustable shoulder strap. Additionally, the combination of the three materials (the leather, resin and linen lining) is novel and makes a striking impression. The bag is made up of three materials artfully combined to evoke the spirit of Florence, where patinated walls are common and intricate sculptures and buildings are a part of everyday life. The natural Italian vacchetta leather, tanned with organic tannins in the old-world style, is backed with resin in a contrasting colours. The leather patinates with exposure to the sun and with use, developing character as it ages. The lining is a fine Italian linen with a natural character that complements the leather.
Who worked on the project?
Jennifer Chong & Roman Khan - Linjer Co-Founders
View the project video: https://vimeo.com/210262013
LOVE PROJECT: Aura Pendant
Company Estudio Guto Requena + D3
Introduction Date February 1, 2017
Project Website http://www.loveproject.com.br
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Aura Pendant makes emotional data tangible using sensors that capture biofeedback as you narrate your own love story. An experience at the intersection of design, science, and technology, the project creates a future where unique products carry intimate personal histories. At Aura Pendant, objects imbibe Affective Sustainability, the idea that if our objects have a more profound emotional context, they will last longer in our lives. It seeks to include the consumer in the creation process, democratizing and demystifying the use of digital technologies. Aura Pendant investigates new possibilities arising from the Digital Age exploring the horizons of the Design Industry, and its new logic of creation, production, transportation and sale. In a world overloaded with objects, it seems that the future of Design is more and more related to the creation of interfaces, and the possibility to generate shapes through our human emotions.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
When you remember the love story of your life, your entire body reacts with emotions. Over the course of the past five years, we developed a technological system that collects your stories and emotions and translates them into a design of a jewel. The shape of this jewel is always unique because its mold literally comes from the data of your body and love story. It's only yours and this shape can never be repeated. We designed a digital experience that is simple to use, yet meaningful. Our app, through your phone’s microphone, captures the tonal cadence, fluctuation, and emotions as you relay a love story. The app also captures your heartbeat, through your phone’s camera and flash. This data is used in real time to generate the shape of the jewel. Inside our software, particles grow a 3D model of the piece. The behavior of each particle come from the voice and the heartbeat data. That's why one piece will never look like the other. The app can grow an infinite number of jewels and they will never look the same. Their shape is unique, it comes from your unique emotions. Once you have the shape of your jewel done on the app you can choose between 3 options of precious metals: Rose Gold, Gold 18k or Silver. We will use 3D printing and artisanal jewelry techniques to produce it.
Who worked on the project?
Project By: Estudio Guto Requena + D3 Estudio Guto Requena Development Team: Guto Requena, Mariana Schetini, Vitor Reis And Victor Sardenberg D3 Development Team: Edson Pavoni With Diego Spinola, Luka Brajovic, Luiz Gustavo Zanotello Founders of Aura Pendant: Guto Requena, Edson Pavoni, João de Souza, Eduardo Dias
View the project video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_OX06zZer4
M-61 PowerGlow Peel by Bluemercury Co-Founder and CEO Marla Beck
Company Bluemercury
Introduction Date February 1, 2017
Project Website https://bluemercury.com/products/m61-powerglow-peel
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Bluemercury Co-Founder and CEO Marla Beck sought to create an individually wrapped and concentrated skincare treatment combining dermatologist loved ingredients and powerful naturals that she could easily apply daily and see instant results. The best-selling M-61 PowerGlow Peel is a 1-minute, 1-step exfoliating peel that resurfaces, clarifies and helps firm the skin for a radiant, renewed glow. Glycolic and salicylic acids are combined to reduce pore size and fine lines, while chamomile and lavender calm and soothe skin in this power-packed at-home exfoliant formula. Each PowerGlow Peel is individually wrapped in order to maintain the moisture of every pad and provide a hassle-free format for on-the-go beauty. Over 1.5 PowerGlow Peels were sold in 2017 and 1 PowerGlow Peel is sold every 8 seconds solidifying the PowerGlow Peels’ cult-favorite status.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
It offers maximum, clinically proven results in minimal time and it's packaged in an individually wrapped pad which reduces packaging waist and the usage of water to prevent the product from deteriorating. The company will unveil a Hydroboost Hyaluronic Serum in a Pad in September and a Vitablast C Pad.
Who worked on the project?
Marla Beck, Co-Founder and CEO of Bluemercury, who developed over 160 products for Bluemercury's brands M-61 and Lune + Aster.
View the project video:
Ministry of Supply’s Voice-Enabled, Intelligent Heated Jacket
Company Ministry of Supply
Introduction Date February 21, 2018
Project Website https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1850124313/ministry-of-supply-the-first-intelligent-heated-ja
Why is this project worthy of an award?
The Mercury intelligent heated jacket is a voice-controlled winter jacket that learns and automatically heats to each wearer’s optimal temperature—truly a first-of-its-kind design. Using an accelerometer, body temperature and outside temperature, the Mercury warms up to the perfect amount. On top of that, much like a Nest, the jacket uses machine learning to adapt to the wearer’s preferences—so they can comfortably move between walking outside in the bitter cold to riding a crowded subway or bus, without overheating. On top of that, with a simple ‘Alexa, turn on my jacket,’ the lightweight, built-in heaters will warm up before you head out the door. While there are other “smart” and “heated” jackets on the market, the Mercury is the first garment that uses machine learning to solve an everyday wardrobe problem, and is voice-enabled. Where other brands are taking technology and trying to figure out how to make it ‘wearable’, Ministry of Supply is taking traditional clothing and applying the latest technology in a purposeful and natural manner. The co-founders of Ministry of Supply truly believe with this technology, clothing should improve and become more personalized the more you use it. As voice assistants increasingly become a household staple, Ministry of Supply has found a way to seamlessly integrate preheating the jacket into an individual’s daily routine—not a far cry from remote starting a car on cold, winter mornings. With its stylish, fitted design, and waterproof, windproof, high-stretch fabric and odor resistant insulation, the Mercury is more than just a heated jacket. The jacket is both stylish and functional, and can be worn as an everyday coat. The jacket’s slim, nearly weightless battery in the front pocket also doubles as a wireless phone charger, a necessity in today’s digital world - simply slide your Qi-charging phone into the pocket and it’ll automatically charge. According to Ministry of Supply, they’d be “surprised if you'll ever need another jacket.”
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
Back in 2012, when Ministry of Supply was still in its infancy, the company broke the Kickstarter record for money raised by a clothing brand with their sweat-proof “Apollo” dress shirt. This time around, with the Mercury jacket, Ministry of Supply surpassed their original record of $429,276 by nearly $200,000, and crushed their original campaign goal of $70,000. The early investment into this product by consumers is a clear and early market indication that this type of product is something that consumers really want, propelling Ministry of Supply to the forefront of the wearables market. Born out of MIT, Ministry of Supply was built on engineering principles. Tinkerers at heart, the brand’s founders have always been obsessed with experimenting and solving everyday issues, and since its founding, have applied their technical expertise to bring consumers sweat-proof, stretchy, odor-repellent business clothes—or, as they have coined it, “performance professional apparel.” With its engineering roots, Ministry of Supply is uniquely poised to take the wearables market by storm with the Mercury jacket.
Who worked on the project?
Gihan Amarasiriwardena, Co-founder and President, Ministry of Supply Aman Advani, Co-founder and CEO, Ministry of Supply Luke Mooney & Jean-Francois Duval - Co-founders Dephy (Boston-based human robotics company)
View the project video: https://vimeo.com/256676935
