3D Design & Visualisation at Specsavers
For over 6 years I worked for Specsavers - the UK's largest optical retailer - which spanned a time of rapid growth for the business; where I grew both personally, and as part of a wider team. I worked along side design management, visualising their proposals and communicating their vision. I progressed into design and project management and introduced new technology & visualisation services. I worked on over 50 projects in total, across the UK and around the world.
Specsaver's flagship store, London Victoria at Westminster cathedral
Projects Across The Uk and Around The World
I started in 2011, as Specsaver's dedicated 3D visualiser, where I visualised proposals for the brand's best performing store - Birmingham new street.
I visualised stores up and down the country and my work became a key part of management's decision making process.
I was thrilled to be part of the team, that led the companies national expansion, and established Specsavers as the UK's leading optical retailer.
Specsavers also expanded abroad and I was fortunate enough to be involved in projects in both The Nordics and Australia.
Design & Project Management
As part of the visualisation process, I helped in the development and design of stores; which included management of the wider project and coordinating with everyone involved.
For example, I was briefed by management to provide a modern and innovate approach, to Specsaver's shop fitting manuals, that would enhance communications around various store unitary.
I knew we would need different expertise to produce the presentation itself and 3D visuals contained within. So we delegated the work accordingly
After these renders were produced they were assembled into the presentation.
an interactive pdf document including: the store presented as a virtual VR experience ("view tour" button) to familiarise the stakeholders with the space in 3D; and a fully a interactive axonometric floor plan, containing all the shop fitting documents - for the various unitary - in the close up preview views.
The completed presentation, was a great cross functional team effort, that simply wouldn't have been possible without collaborating in this way, especially considering the rapid turnaround we achieved.
New Technologies And Services
In addition to the modernised shop fitting manuals, ongoing innovation continued.
I introduced new technology and visualisation services, that were used to expand negotiations with partners.
I introduced new technology and visualisation services, that were used to expand negotiations with partners.
I delivered a complete 3D visualisation package - including visuals, walkthrough animations, and a mobile VR app - which helped successfully acquire new Specsavers partners; at the flagship lakeside shopping centre store.
360º VR mobile application: partners experienced the proposed retail environment from multiple key locations around the store, in immersive 3D.
This comprehensive visualisation package, was not only used for business development purposes, but also formed a key part of Specsaver's R&D initiative - as featured in the 2017 annual company conference:
Lakeside Shopping centre animated walkthrough as featured at Specsavers anual company conference
As part of this comprehensive 3D visualisation package, partners could get feel for their new store: the key perspectives captured the most important locations throughout the store; the animated walkthrough gave a realistic impression of walking thru the space in realtime; and the interactive VR application, provided an immersive engaging retail experience.
Thanks & Reflections
A thoroughly rewarding and formative 8 years; with challenges, experiences and collaborations that have been pivotal to my professional development. A testament to management's driving vision and direction, for which I am very grateful for.
