Virtual Fittings- developing a new software using data algorithms and scanning technology to offer an accurate remote breast form fitting service to women in isolation following breast cancer treatment.

Boost Innovations Ltd is dedicated to supporting women after breast cancer treatment. Unfortunately, many women who have had mastectomy operations are in high risk categories and remain isolated due to the Covid 19 outbreak. Boost has already designed and created a new pioneering breast form to restore shape under clothing. However, breast form fitting services are usually commenced in person, for the purposes of accuracy. Online retail relies on the interpretation of size guides, and are often based on bra size. This is problematic, as many studies indicate that up to 80% of women wear the wrong sized bra. Working with tech entrepreneurs Braista, Boost's project will pioneer a new software solution that will support women to access accurate, reliable and supportive fitting services remotely. Allowing women in isolation to identify the correct product for them will support wellbeing by helping women to regain comfort and shape after surgery. Unnecessary online orders, returns or misinterpretation of size charts will be avoided, creating an empowering user experience that focuses on remote smartphone based participation.

Our unique measuring methodology will combine 3D scanning, modelling and measurement packs that engage women in providing accurate data. Using these data sets, algorithms will be developed to underpin the software, providing an accurate service that identifies a suitable breast form product. Women who have had fitting appointments cancelled or who have felt unable to navigate the options of traditional online retailers will be empowered to receive remote support that utilises a unique blend of technologies to ensure that they can access the right breast form products for them. this innovation will create an opportunity to open up the lingerie retail sector, making online retail more accessible to vulnerable women who have had breast cancer treatment.

Extending our project will enable us to improve two key areas of our Virtual Fittings Service design. Firstly, we can make improvements to the reliability of the MVP platform, exploring the functionality and investing further in technical expertise to de-bug both the bra-fitter and the user’s interface to create a smoother user experience. Secondly, Boost has already utilised the data collected from the first phase to create two additional size designs that meet the needs of women who have a fuller breast shape. By modelling these and producing the prototype moulds, the additional funding can be used to add the new sizes to our algorithm’s data set, providing a broader product range for the system to identify suitable products that meet the needs of the customer.