KiteONE
The made-to-measure experience begins when customers get their head and face scanned in-store via a handheld scanner by a Kite stylist. The 3D scan records various measurements – including distance between pupils, head and nose width, and ear positioning. The customer’s head is then visualised on the KiteONE app, also designed by LAYER, and the glasses are fitted live on screen. The measurements taken by the scanner inform the dimensions of the eyewear and temple length so that the frames fit perfectly.

The software also enables users to further customise the frames through slight alterations to the softness of the lens form to suit their face shape. A choice of four temple styles allows the user to tailor their eyewear to an activity or increase the fit. This level of customisation is a first in the eyewear sector.
The KiteONE collection is available in three different colours, and also includes the option to print a bespoke message inside the temple, and select the hinge and brand element colouration. The KiteONE app utilises an intuitive and simple UX and a minimal design that reflects the Kite branding, which was also designed by LAYER.

Once the eyewear is created digitally, the file is sent to the Kite local supplier network to be 3D printed, finished and dyed. This process takes three weeks, and the 3D-printed components are assembled in-store by a Kite stylist.

The collection
The KiteONE collection is based on a classic style, which is modernist and simple in its design language and utilises controlled radii and surface integration. The measurements of each pair are subtly altered based on the user’s head and face measurements to create a bespoke design and the perfect fit.
The frame is made from 3D-printed nylon material, with four different temple options. The integrated nose pads are made from breathable silicone rubber with a matte finish, which minimises the contact point and heat/sweat build up.

KiteONE temple options:
Classic – Made entirely from 3D printed material for a clean, minimal visual style.
Tip – The temple tips are made from a high-grade injection moulded plastic. This style offers an even better fit as the temple tips can be heated and fitted directly to the user’s head during the final fitting by a Kite stylist.
Cord Tip – The temple tips are made from a high-grade injection moulded plastic with an integrated textile cord designed to hang the glasses around the user’s neck.
Sport Tip – The temple tips are made from a high-grade injection moulded plastic with an integrated elasticated sportsband designed to keep eyewear firmly in place during sporting activities.
 
Other custom elements:
The custom hinges and the triangular branding element can be specified in silver or rose gold
The nose pads, temple tips, and cord bands can be specified in 3 different colours – charcoal, moss green, and brick red – and mix-and-matched
3D printed material can be dyed in 3 different colours – charcoal, moss green, and brick red.
Each pair of eyewear has a unique serial number printed inside the temple
Users can choose to have their name or message (up to 20 characters) moulded inside the temple
 
Launch Installation
The KiteONE collection launched in September at designjunction as part of London Design Festival. The stand, also designed by LAYER, plays on the theme of modularity reflecting the concept behind the KiteONE collection. The design language is minimal and Scandinavian, providing a simple backdrop for the collection.
The KiteONE collection was displayed on a mirrored bench in the centre of the stand alongside selected eyewear from previous Kite collections. A tilted tiled mirror wall to one side lets visitors try on the eyewear.
The rear wall is made from rotating Oak tiles that can flip out to create display shelves on which to display the eyewear.

In detail
LAYER has designed KiteONE, a new collection of eyewear for London eyewear brand Kite
The collection comprises a minimal frame that is 3D printed based on scanned measurements taken of the customer’s head to provide a perfect fit
The frames can be further customised:- Four different temple styles – Classic, Tip, Cord Tip & Sport Tip- Three different colours – charcoal, moss green, brick red – for frames, temples, cords and nose pads- Silver or rose gold hinges and branding detail- Unique number printed in temple- Option for name or message to be moulded in temple (up to 20 characters)
Launching in September at designjunction as part of London Design Festival
 
Get in touch
layerdesign.com