3D Mechatronics Creator was a 0→1 product exploring how SOLIDWORKS could support the growing need for mechatronics and smart device design.
I led UX strategy and design across discovery, vision, MVP, and post-launch validation — influencing product positioning, unblocking technical feasibility, and aligning multiple engineering teams under a shared vision.
As smart products drove more cross-disciplinary mechatronics design workflows, we identified an opportunity for a more integrated experience. The initial concept proposed an “all-in-one” application — but it was unclear who it was truly for.
As UX lead, I partnered with a researcher to conduct ~20 discovery interviews across students, educators, engineers, and project managers from startups to large enterprises.
Key Insights
In professional environments, roles are highly specialized. Most mechanical engineers don’t need to become electrical or software experts — but they do want tools to learn, prototype, and communicate across disciplines.
Amid high ambiguity, multiple engineering teams were blocked awaiting direction. I led the creation of a vision video to align stakeholders around a clear future experience. When feasibility concerns emerged around interactive 2D circuits, I conducted technical research (e.g., SVG structure, metadata, and interaction models) and proposed scalable implementation approaches, bridging visual design and engineering.
Outcome: The vision gained executive approval, unlocking architectural and UI changes previously considered out of scope and directly shaping the MVP’s interactive 2D circuit foundation.
I designed and prototyped several 3D interaction concepts (including spline-based UI) to communicate behavior, not just layout.
Outcome: These prototypes were used primarily as alignment tools — helping developers understand intent, constraints, and tradeoffs early.
xMechatronics was demoed at 3DEXPERIENCE World, followed by a “lighthouse” Customer Advisory Board with ~20 users testing the product in real workflows over an extended period.
Post-MVP UX Impact: Usability testing revealed a major limitation: auto-generated circuit wires were not editable. I synthesized user feedback and recordings into a compelling case, helping secure resources for a high-impact UX improvement project that introduced interactive wire editing — a critical step toward learnability and control.
When company priorities shifted toward education and FIRST Robotics, X-Mechatronics risked being paused. I conducted rapid desk research (including analysis of FRC community discussions) and reframed X-Mechatronics as uniquely aligned with FRC’s mechanical-electrical-software needs.
Outcome: The project continued, and we explored FRC-specific simulations using real robot log files — aligning product strategy with company focus without discarding prior investment.
3D Mechatronics Creator pushed me to operate beyond interface design and into product strategy, technical feasibility, and organizational alignment.
From reframing the target audience through discovery to using vision artifacts to unlock architectural change, this project reinforced the importance of clarity under ambiguity and influence without authority.
It also deepened my ability to bridge disciplines — translating between UX, engineering, and business priorities — to move complex, cross-functional work forward.