I think that Matteo Moretti of Vistosi walked into the office one day and said, “You know what? Let’s just do everything right.”
For years, I’ve been suggesting that, if you are looking for a glass light, start with Vistosi’s extensive collections.
For years, I’ve pointed out that it is not enough to specify a decorative light because the client likes the look and the price. It really matters who makes it, so that you know it is of the right quality, safe, will arrive unbroken and on time, and that there will be good aftersales support.
This email pulls these two strands together. For Matteo Moretti, of the family that owns Vistosi, did an extraordinary thing last year. He described in detail “20 weaknesses of Vistosi” and what he intended to do about them. Publicly! And asked for comments. And asked what should be on the list for 2023….
Most people would not regard many of the 20 as “weaknesses” because Vistosi were only doing what everybody else does. But we all know from experience that that is usually not enough. Hence all the faff.
Faff? Just think of the faff involved in finalizing all the details of a specification, and in finding all you need to show your client why you are proposing a particular light. For example, how often does a spec sheet include all the data you need? (Weight? IP rating?) How often is there a clear picture in the colour and metal finish you are proposing? How often can you get the 3D file or photometric data you need? How often is a luminaire’s dimming compatible with the project’s domotic system?
Several of the “weaknesses” involve Vistosi’s support for agents and resellers, so they don’t concern you directly. Except that you will see an improvement in their knowledge, in their presentations and in the support they can give you.
But Vistosi’s work on other “weaknesses” will definitely benefit you, and in important ways.
WEB SITE
The web site (click here) has been transformed. It provides easy access to everything you might need. Let’s look at their current best seller, Jube—click here.
1. There is a big, clear picture of Jube in whichever typology (pendant, table...) glass colour and metal finish you choose.
2. The glass colour and finish options are all shown as images (not just given as codes or descriptions).
3. Dimensions are clearly indicated.
4. The light source is fully described.
5. The downloads include:
a. assembly instructions and products sheets (all of which have been overhauled to make sure that they are clear and complete).
b. the certificates supporting CE and other regional certifications
c. 2D .dwg and 3D .easm, .fbx and .3DS files.
6 A gallery of downloadable images of Jube, both cut-outs and set shots.
7. A link to the page that profiles the designer(s).
8. Links to real projects that have used the luminaire. (Such images can be difficult to get, particularly when they will be put in the public domain, so do PLEASE send us any images of your projects which we can add to the database.)
A link at the bottom of the main picture...
…is to Jube’s display in the Vistosi Virtual Museum. Click here to discover this amazing facility, then click on the flashing spots…
…to enter the Museum. (And to see one of the most elegant potential uses for the Sacca Mattia!)
LEAD TIMES
Another area Vistosi is working hard to improve is lead times—not only their length, but also how accurately they can predict when delivery will take place. This means (a) expanding their production facilities, (b) increasing their staff numbers, and (c) a very sophisticated software system that links individual component purchases to specific customer orders.
PRESENTING IMAGES OF CUSTOM PROPOSALS
Normally, makers will not create renders of custom proposals until the client has made a commitment to purchase (i.e. made a payment). But how can a lay person commit to something they can’t see? Therefore Vistosi will now provide preliminary drawings with their quotations. (As always, photorealistic renders are extra.)
COMPLETE OFFER
Vistosi will be offering all the options that may be required—in other words, remove barriers to sale. So, for example: all the main dimming protocols; 2700K as well as 3000K; certification for all significant markets; and all the most frequently used software files, including BIM. Note that the work necessary to achieve all this continues; it is not yet complete.
IMPROVED PRODUCT
All the products in the catalogue are being reviewed by a dedicated technical team, and in detail—finishes, welds, upgraded LED light sources, easier assembly, errant shadows removed….
M A S S I V E INVESTMENT….
To achieve all this, plus all the changes I’ve not mentioned, takes a huge investment in time, money and management resources. One consequence has been that they have only introduced one new design in recent years. It was more important to take the time out to get everything right. Now that this is largely done, Vistosi plan to issue ten collections in 2023. Some are new and some are extensions of existing models. We'll learn a lot more at Euroluce.
…TO CREATE A SIMPLE, STRAIGHTFORWARD, FAFF-FREE, EXPERIENCE WHEN SPECIFYING
No longer will one waste time trying to find basic information about a luminaire.
No longer will you be unable to specify what you want use because it is 300K only, or 1-10V only, or not available on time…. In other words, Matteo is removing everything that might prevent you from specifying what you want.
Such a commitment to making all our lives easier should be responded to with enthusiasm—there is more reason than ever to look at Vistosi first when you are specifying a glass light!
But none of this is relevant if the designs of the lights themselves are not suitable. So in the second part of Understanding Vistosi we’ll look at the collections.
This is the first of three Understanding Vistosi posts. The second will look at the strength of the collections and the third the major, customizable feature pieces, particularly Giogali.