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London optician looks into social digital signage

Fashion optician installs touchscreen mirror that also takes photos and posts to social media at flagship store in London's East End.

July 15, 2014

A new fashion eyewear shop is taking a new look approach to fashion and shopping for glasses.

London-based optician Kite GB has installed a touchscreen mirror in its flagship retail location with an integrated webcam that allows shoppers to snap photos of themselves in their prospective new frames and post to social media for feedback. The deployment is the result of a collaboration with technology provider Zytronic.

The touch-enabled unit located at Kite's flagship store in London's East End utilizes a PCT touch sensor with a 42-inch active area. The sensor has been applied to mirror-finished toughened glass and is capable of supporting up to 40-point multitouch operation. Via the unit, customers are able to take photos of themselves wearing different frames, then post them on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms, so that their friends and family can look at the chosen frames and give their opinions.

In addition to the Zytronic PCT sensor, the system consists of an ultra-thin LCD digital signage monitor, supplied by Display Technology, with high brightness output, 1920-by-1080 pixel resolution and wide viewing angle. The Logitech HD Pro C920 webcam provides high resolution photos and video that can be stored on the host PC, then manipulated and subsequently uploaded. The customized software facilitates social interaction and the sharing of content with others, according to the companies.

"The vast majority of dispensing opticians haven't considered how technology can help them engage with their customers," Kite GB CEO Asad Hamir said in a Zytronic case study. "We really wanted to enhance the user experience and provide an environment that is conducive to social sharing. The unit is already proving very popular and is a great differentiator for Kite. It allows customers to get advice on the products they are thinking about purchasing from the people that matter most to them, not just the store staff."