SOLIDWORKS

Designing new features and a persona for the leading computer-aided design software

UX Design

User Research

AI/ML

TIMELINE

May to August 2024 (12 weeks)

ROLE

User Experience Design Intern

SKILLS & TOOLS

  • Moderating usability tests
  • Moderating customer interviews
  • Workflow mapping
  • Prototyping in Adobe XD
  • CAD

DELIVERABLES

  • Research-based persona with workflow map used by UX team
  • Interactive Adobe XD prototypes
  • Report on findings from usability testing and design recommendations
  • Two entries in UX research repository

ALL PROJECTS

About

SOLIDWORKS is a leading computer-aided design (CAD) software used by millions of designers and engineers around the world to develop 3D products. 

7.5 million users
400,000 companies
20,000 startups
110 countries

Testimonials

"Carlie interned with us this summer. Looking at her deliverables and how she mingled with the team, it is hard to believe she was here just for three months. She is hardworking, self-motivated, and meticulous in her work. Carlie contributed to multiple projects and was always eager to learn more. She possesses a unique combination of UX skills, technical knowledge, and CAD expertise, which is rare. These talents were evident in her work on the AI-based tool, persona, and onboarding projects. Carlie is a pleasure to work with and will undoubtedly bring tremendous value to any team fortunate enough to have her."

— Priya Dalmia, User Experience Design Manager at SOLIDWORKS

"I am delighted to endorse Carlie for her outstanding contributions to our team. From the outset, she was fully engaged in the project, demonstrating a deep understanding of its core objectives. One of Carlie’s most impressive qualities is her ability to deliver work effectively. She manages projects independently with minimal supervision, consistently producing high-quality results while adhering to deadlines and paying close attention to detail. Her work on a crucial UX project showcased her skills, as she not only met all deadlines but also played a key role in the research and design refinement. Carlie’s ability for presenting complex data clearly and accessibly is commendable, making our project findings easier to understand and facilitating smoother collaboration with stakeholders  and larger team. Moreover, Carlie excels in teamwork, actively engaging with her colleagues and fostering open dialogue. Her positive attitude and proactive involvement in projects have been invaluable. I wholeheartedly recommend Carlie for any future opportunities. Her exceptional work ethic and impressive delivery will undoubtedly enhance any team she joins."

— Yukti Anand, User Experience Specialist at SOLIDWORKS

‍‍PROJECT 1

“Command Predictor,” an early-stage, AI-driven feature

The Problem

SOLIDWORKS is an advanced software that can be overwhelming for students and hobbyists to learn at first. SOLIDWORKS is inventing novel ways to leverage AI in CAD software for advanced to beginner users.

The Solution

Command predictor, a new AI-driven feature that suggests commands to use next.

Take a look at how it works below or at this link: Command Predictor Demo

Testing the predictor

I designed CAD components in SOLIDWORKS to test the predictor and calculate its accuracy. I created detailed documentation of my testing in Excel.

Which CAD commands are useful to predict?

I collaborated with front-end developers and machine learning engineers to filter the output of the AI model to better match user needs. I also worked with developers to improve the code. 

CAD models I created to calculate the accuracy

PROJECT 2

Designing a new view mode for the education sector

The Problem

SOLIDWORKS can be overwhelming for new users, such as students and hobbyists. 

The Solution

As a part of the company’s initiative in the educational sector, SOLIDWORKS is developing a new view mode for beginners. 

Conducting competitive analysis

I conducted a comprehensive competitive analysis by designing the same CAD models in SOLIDWORKS and two competitive CAD apps.

Usability testing

I conducted five usability tests with fellow SOLIDWORKS interns. I wrote a moderator’s guide for a four-part usability test: 

  1. A/B testing of two onboarding mockups
  2. Testing the existing view mode by creating a CAD model of their choice
  3. Card sorting/co-design activity (what would they want to see)
  4. Concluding questions

I conducted a pilot of the usability test to ensure my delivery and timing were accurate. I then analyzed over 7 hours of video footage to identify common usability issues. 

CAD models created by participants during usability testing

Redesign

I identified several issues and design opportunities from testing. Overall, participants liked the new view mode and recognized its value. 

I wrote a 16-page report on my research findings and design recommendations, including key quotes. I implemented my design recommendations by creating an interactive prototype in Adobe XD.

Finally, I created an entry in the team’s UX research repository with a summary of my research.

‍PROJECT 3

Developing a research-based persona for the UX team

Background

The UX team was looking for a new user persona to reflect the breadth of their customer base. I created a refreshed persona for a small business that uses SOLIDWORKS.

Collecting data from interviews

I wrote a moderator’s guide and moderated an interview with the Lead Designer at a medium-sized business that uses SOLIDWORKS. I asked about their organizational structure, workflow, and file management.

I also listened to five past interviews conducted by members of the UX team to gather additional data.

Creating an asset for the UX team

I created a fictional manufacturing company for the persona. I created a workflow map for the company’s seven-phase product development process. 

This persona will be used by the 18-person SOLIDWORKS UX team to empathize with users and by the strategy team to better understand the use of CAD in manufacturing processes.

SOLIDWORKS in use by an engineer

TAKEAWAYS

Developing tailored research plans

UX methods are flexible. I learned to tailor UX research and design methods to meet the needs of each project.

UX must align with business needs. All of the projects I worked on aligned with major strategic goals of the company. I learned to present my findings in a way that links to the strategic goals.