Mixed Reality Eyewear III
2016
Team
Corey Mack (Lead), Bill Kokonaski (CTO), SOMO Optical (Lens and optics manufacturing), The Technology Partnership (Optics Design), Thai Optical Group (Lens Development and Testing)
Background
This project marked a pivotal moment in LAFORGE Optical’s evolution, transitioning from R&D into pre-production. As the project lead, I managed the early stages of production, coordinating with global partners across Los Angeles, Bangkok, Seoul, and northern Italy to align design, manufacturing, and testing activities. My role involved hands-on oversight of supply chain logistics, ensuring our design specifications and quality standards were met across different regions as we prepared for a potential product launch in the following year.
A core challenge during this phase was communication across a multilingual team, operating in four languages, leading to occasional misunderstandings that could delay progress. Drawing from my experience at Toyota Motor Corporation, I implemented standardized work instruction sheets, using step-by-step images, simple descriptions, and visuals of incorrect assemblies to prevent mistakes. This approach significantly improved understanding and consistency across our teams. Additionally, I required that all partners adopt our company’s documentation standards for future communication, ensuring alignment and reducing errors. This structured approach helped us move smoothly through the pre-production phase.
While the product wasn’t yet ready for scaled production, we began laying the groundwork for those processes, sourcing materials, and refining the design to ensure compatibility with manufacturing methods. I partnered with Vista of Italy to develop four frame styles that became the cornerstone of our first pre-order campaign. Each frame style integrated seamlessly with our advanced augmented reality lens blanks, microdisplays, custom PCB, and battery system—demonstrating the potential to adapt our technology across different designs. A key focus was proving scalability through a common cross-section, allowing eyewear designers to adapt their styles without sacrificing compatibility with our tech. This approach minimized early production risks and set the stage for a future market launch.
MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGY
• Mixed Reality Ophthalmic Lens: Trivex by PPG, offering impact resistance and optical clarity, crucial for an immersive AR experience.
• Frame Front: 3D-printed metal for durability and lightweight comfort.
• Frame Temples: 3D-printed plastic, optimized for ergonomic support and adjustability.
• PCB: Custom-designed by LAFORGE Optical, powering advanced display and connectivity features.
• Microdisplay: Kopin, delivering sharp, high-resolution visuals within the user’s field of view.
• Frame Front: 3D-printed metal for durability and lightweight comfort.
• Frame Temples: 3D-printed plastic, optimized for ergonomic support and adjustability.
• PCB: Custom-designed by LAFORGE Optical, powering advanced display and connectivity features.
• Microdisplay: Kopin, delivering sharp, high-resolution visuals within the user’s field of view.
