Short answer

Designers can leverage readily available imaging technology and computational modeling to create highly personalized products by incorporating user-specific measurements directly into the design process.

Field
User-Centred Design
Source
Mechanics & Industry (2022)
Method
Experimental and computational modeling
Sample
1 volunteer
Evidence
Strong effect

A user-centric design process leveraging 3D scanning and parametric modeling can create custom-fit swimming goggles through an interactive web application. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2022 study published in Mechanics & Industry. Using Experimental and computational modeling with 1 volunteer, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Designers can leverage readily available imaging technology and computational modeling to create highly personalized products by incorporating user-specific measurements directly into the design process.

Study
User-Centred DesignHigh ImpactStrong effect

3D scanning and interpolation enable personalized swimming goggle design via web app

A user-centric design process leveraging 3D scanning and parametric modeling can create custom-fit swimming goggles through an interactive web application.

Mechanics & Industry · 2022

01

Key Findings

  • 01A method for custom designing swimming goggles suitable for internet application was developed.
  • 02Parametric 3D head models can be established using orthographic photographs and interpolation.
  • 03The developed app successfully generated a custom-tailored goggle model that was comfortable and well-positioned for the user.
02

Application

Design takeaway

Designers can leverage readily available imaging technology and computational modeling to create highly personalized products by incorporating user-specific measurements directly into the design process.

How to apply

Develop a web or mobile application that guides users through taking specific photographs of their head, then uses image processing and interpolation to generate a custom-fit product model.

Project actions

  • 01Focus on a specific product that requires a precise fit (e.g., helmets, custom insoles, ergonomic grips).
  • 02Explore existing 3D scanning apps or libraries to understand their capabilities and limitations.
  • 03Consider the user interface and experience for guiding users through the data capture process.
03

Method & Evidence

AimCan a web-based application utilizing 3D scanning and interpolation techniques effectively generate custom-tailored swimming goggle designs that ensure user comfort and a precise fit?
MethodExperimental and computational modeling
ProcedureThe research identified 25 key head feature points, established their relationship to goggle size, and determined optimal photography positions. A camera-position corrector was developed. 3D head models were created by dividing scans into planes, extracting contour curves, and using Hermite interpolation. An algorithm was developed to correct photographic errors. An operational flowchart and app page structure were designed, leading to the development of an interactive app for custom goggle design. A volunteer tested the app, and the resulting 3D model was 3D printed and validated for comfort and fit.
Sample1 volunteer
ContextPersonalized eyewear design and e-commerce

Variables

IVMethod for custom goggle design (proposed method vs. standard)
DVUser comfort and fit of swimming goggles
CVHead feature points, photography position, interpolation algorithm, 3D printing process
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Novel integration of 3D scanning, interpolation, and web application for personalized design.
  • +Validation of the custom-fit product through user testing and 3D printing.

Limitations

The accuracy of phone cameras and the user's ability to take consistent photos can be a challenge. The complexity of the interpolation algorithms might be difficult to implement without specialized software.

Reliability & validity

Reliability could be improved by standardizing the photography process with clear instructions and calibration tools. Validity is supported by the volunteer's subjective confirmation of comfort and fit, though objective measurements would strengthen it.

Think critically

How might the accuracy and reliability of user-captured 3D data be improved to ensure consistent product fit across a wider range of users and devices?

05

Design Principles

"User-generated data, when processed through appropriate digital tools, can drive hyper-personalized product design."

This approach addresses the common issue of ill-fitting eyewear by directly involving the user in the design process. It demonstrates how digital tools can bridge the gap between individual user needs and mass production capabilities, leading to enhanced product comfort and performance.

06

What This Means for Your Design

You can use your phone camera and a special app to take pictures of your head, and the app will figure out how to make swimming goggles that fit you perfectly.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Reference this study when discussing the use of digital modeling and user data for product personalization.
  • 2.Use the methodology as an example of how to integrate user measurements into a design workflow.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research demonstrates a novel approach to personalized product design by integrating user-specific 3D head data, captured via standard photography, with advanced interpolation techniques to generate custom-fit swimming goggles. The development of an interactive web application facilitated this process, allowing for user engagement and direct input into the design, ultimately leading to a 3D printable model validated for comfort and fit, highlighting the potential of digital workflows for hyper-customization.

09

Source

Mechanics & Industry

Research on custom-tailored swimming goggles applied to the internet

journal · 2022

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about 3d scanning and interpolation enable personalized swimming goggle design via web app?
Designers can leverage readily available imaging technology and computational modeling to create highly personalized products by incorporating user-specific measurements directly into the design process. Evidence: Mechanics & Industry (2022).
Why does "3D scanning and interpolation enable personalized swimming goggle design via web app" matter for design?
This approach addresses the common issue of ill-fitting eyewear by directly involving the user in the design process. It demonstrates how digital tools can bridge the gap between individual user needs and mass production capabilities, leading to enhanced product comfort and performance.
How can designers apply this research?
Designers can leverage readily available imaging technology and computational modeling to create highly personalized products by incorporating user-specific measurements directly into the design process.
What were the main findings?
A method for custom designing swimming goggles suitable for internet application was developed.. Parametric 3D head models can be established using orthographic photographs and interpolation.. The developed app successfully generated a custom-tailored goggle model that was comfortable and well-positioned for the user.
What research method was used?
Experimental and computational modeling with 1 volunteer.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2022 journal from Mechanics & Industry.
What should I do differently in my next project?
Develop a web or mobile application that guides users through taking specific photographs of their head, then uses image processing and interpolation to generate a custom-fit product model.
What are the limitations?
The study involved a single volunteer, limiting the generalizability of the findings. The accuracy of the 3D scanning and interpolation methods may vary with different head shapes and photographic conditions.