The Japanese company Hoya is one of the world’s largest producers of high-end spectacle lenses and optical lenses for IT-related applications and medical instruments. It is part of the Forbes Global 2000 Leading Companies. For a new, revolutionary concept for glasses, Hoya asked Globrands to develop an international brand name.
The naming challenge: technology = fashion
In addition to the state-of-the-art 3D printing technology that is used to tailor the glasses, which ensures optical precision and wearing comfort, Hoya has developed a very contemporary product through collaboration with internationally renowned frame designers. The exclusive selection of frame designs, colors and finishes, supplemented with high-quality, custom-cut lenses ensure unique, one-of-a-kind glasses. The uniqueness of this concept from Hoya, could certainly be communicated via the name.
Assignment: develop a fresh, out-of-the-box, international name that is a mix of personality, uniqueness, design, fashion and technology.
The name represents the entire concept of facial scanner, software, glasses and 3D printed frames.
Still, despite the revolutionary technology and smart algorithms behind the system, the desire was not to make the name too technical, but mainly to emphasize the personal style to make it a sought-after item. A name that makes you curious and has character.
Why Yuniku is called Yuniku
The name Yuniku is derived from the Japanese word for ‘unique’. By spelling the word in the phonetic, Western way, a reference is made to the Japanese roots of Hoya. It stands for dynamic, intuitive and innovative; for being one of a kind. This fits well with state of the art technology. It is easy to make a link to Hoya’s many years of experience in making high-quality products.
The name naturally refers to the one-of-a-kind custom-made glasses, but also to unique personalities; it says ‘unique you’. Every face is different and deserves customized glasses.
Sylvia van den Donker, Brand Manager HOYA Vision Care
It was not an easy assignment, but we have been working with Globrands for a number of years and we had every confidence that we would reach a unanimous decision. We are very proud of this revolutionary concept and very happy with the chosen brand name, which has everything to make this product a success!
Yuniku in short
Standard frames and lenses can only be adjusted to a certain extent to the personal characteristics of the glasses wearer. The frame and fit are fixed and the glass parameters must be adjusted to provide the best possible viewing experience. Hoya, on the other hand, developed a revolutionary “vision-centric” approach that focuses on optimum vision.
The facial characteristics of the wearer are determined with a scan and his/her visual needs are recorded. Advanced software then calculates the ideal position of the lenses in relation to the eyes and designs the frame based on those unique parameters. 3D printing makes it possible to further adapt the frame to the visual, aesthetic and comfort requirements of the wearer. The result is an optimal viewing experience and fit; an innovation in the optics industry.
For more information: www.yuniku.com.