At first, the mPort pod that's moved in across from Witchery on level three at Westfield Belconnen looks like a shiny, modern photo booth, but the device could change the way customers shop in the future.
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The mPort – short for measurement passport – creates a 3D body map which can help people determine their perfect clothing size.
The concept, which was developed by Dipra Ray, Andy Wu and Melody Shiue, started with a car conversation between Sydney and Wollongong.
"A good friend and mine were talking about problems and his girlfriend at the time was looking for a wedding dress and didn't want to have to go from one wedding boutique to another just to find there was nothing in her size. So she said wouldn't it be nice before going to the store knowing that there will be something that will actually fit me, rather than going all the way there," said Dipra.
"I've always had trouble finding shirts that fit me – I'm quite short and not the skinniest person in the world and so any time I buy shirts the sleeve lengths are far too long and the pant lengths are far too long. So I could really identify with the problem."
They developed the mPort – a device that can measure a person quickly using harmless infrared technology to create a 3D avatar, all for for free.
"You walk in and there's a voice that greets you. You're then able to sign up so you just have to put in details like your age and gender and that's so we can customise the experience. Then it takes about five seconds of standing still and it captures all of your measurements. It takes one minute to process your data, and it's as simple as that," he said.
The device doesn't give you your specific measurements, but instead compares it to the companies its partnered with to tell you the size that will fit you at that store.
The Sydney-based trio has so far only teamed up with seven clothing retailers, including the Canberra-based On The Go Sports – but is looking to add many more.
As they join with each company, they enter the brand's specific clothing measurements into their system.
So then using your measurements it will be able to tell you that while you're a size 10 at one shop, a size 14 is what will fit you at another – something that could come in very handy when online shopping.
There is also a paid mPort subscription which for $20 a year allows you to access all of your measurements, track your body shape over time, measure your body mass index and an approximate body fat percentage, and even set up fitness reminders.
The group plans to roll out the pods across every single Westfield in the next 12 months, so chances are there will be one at Westfield Woden before too long.
