Returned items due to ill-fitting clothing is one of the biggest
problems facing online retailers, well a new portable body scanning device
could make returning clothes a thing of the past.
Developed by a team of scientists in Switzerland, the SizeGenie marks a
new generation of body scanning technology, it’s the first that’s small,
foldable and affordable, with the device starting at just 29 dollars, and
it is has launched a Kickstarter campaign to bring the product to market.
The device by BodyCloud accurately takes a users measurements in a
matter of seconds, helping customers get the perfect fit. It works by
repurposing infrared scanners and body scanning technology used for medical
purposes to give users 34 precise measurements, which are used by tailors
and fashion designers.
The user simply plugs the device into a computer, stands in front of the
camera and rotates as directed, with the measurements provided within
seconds to give an exact size, including everything a designer needs to
create fully bespoke garments.
“People don’t have time to shop for clothes and at the same time don’t
feel confident to shop for clothes online, because they never know if they
will fit,” explains Tom Brooks, business developer of BodyCloud. “For
example a medium for one brand could be a small or a large for others. So
much time is wasted with double orders, returns and refunds when shopping.”
The SizeGenie Kickstarter campaign will last 40 days and it is hoping
that consumers will get behind the product to have the convenience of
quickly measuring themselves at home to shop accurately online for bespoke
suits, dresses and sport apparels. As well as targeting fashion companies
who would be interested in integrating a ‘Fit Me’ button on their online
shopping sites.
The campaign is looking for 30,000 dollars to start production of the
portable body scanner. Ten days in, the crowdfunding campaign has already
attracted 161 backers, raising just over half the amount. Investors who
pledge 1 dollar will receive a thank you e-card, while backers donating 25
dollars will be given the early bird SizeGenie backer rate to buy the
product at a special rate. Pledges over 1,000 dollars will get a retailer
integration kit allowing them to add ‘Fit Me’ buttons onto their website,
while 5,000 dollars will allow the backer to visit BodyCloud HQ as well as
receive the product.
The product has also received endorsement from fashion designer Angela
Missoni, “The possibility to simply and rapidly capture one’s measurements
has the potential to revolutionise the way we conceive of and participate
in e-commerce,” she said.
Pietro Veragouth, creator of BodyCloud, added: “We have been working
with scanning experts and the fashion industry to really change the way
people buy clothes online. The SizeGenie website will be integrated with
brands online via a ‘Fit Me’ button that will prompt the user to take
measurements – making online shopping even easier for consumers.”
BodyCloud’s SizeGenie Kickstarter campaign will run until November 22.
The project will only be funded if at least 30,000 dollars is pledged.
Images: BodyCloud/SizeGenie