Product Strategy · Mobile Design · 0→1 Product · Stony Brook University · 2012–2015

MotionGen

Overview

I initiated and led the design of MotionGen, a mobile application developed within a university setting to explore mechanical linkage design on touch-based devices.

The project was self-initiated, received institutional funding, and evolved through three major design iterations. I was responsible for defining the product direction, conducting user research, and designing and building the system end to end. MotionGen was invited to TEDxSBU 2014 as an example of applied design and engineering education (presented by faculty), and was later published on the App Store and Google Play.

The application has since been used professionally in the design of a patented medical device for Biodex Medical Systems.

Role: Founding Designer & Product Lead
Tools: Objective-C · C++ · OpenGL · Xcode · Adobe CC

The challenge

Mechanical linkage design is traditionally performed using desktop CAD tools optimized for large displays and precise input devices.

The goal of MotionGen was to investigate whether core synthesis workflows could be meaningfully translated to mobile platforms, while remaining accurate, legible, and usable for both students and practicing engineers. The project needed to balance pedagogical clarity with professional credibility, all within the constraints of small screens and touch input.

Early interface explorations emphasized mobile-first interaction patterns and progressive disclosure. While well-suited to touch input, these patterns needed to be evaluated against the expectations of users trained on conventional CAD software.

The central design question became: how to introduce a mobile-native experience without breaking established mental models.

The approach

I treated the project as a research-informed product design effort.

Through iterative prototyping and user feedback, I evaluated where novel interactions improved understanding and where familiarity reduced cognitive overhead. Competitive analysis of tools such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Unigraphics informed decisions around layout, control grouping, and visual hierarchy.

The product evolved through three deliberate design phases, each refining the balance between innovation and recognizability.

Process

Phase 1 — Mobile-First Exploration

The initial design leveraged progressive disclosure, revealing controls as users advanced through linkage synthesis. This approach reduced visual clutter and supported learning, while highlighting areas where additional orientation cues were necessary for experienced users.

Phase 2 — Alignment with Professional Conventions

Based on user feedback and comparative analysis, I refined the interface to incorporate familiar CAD patterns. This improved immediate usability for professional engineers while preserving the advantages of a touch-based workflow.

Phase 3 — Optimization for Small Screens

Observation showed that many users accessed the app on phone-sized devices. I redesigned panel behavior, adjusted animation timing, and separated synthesis functions to maximize usable screen space—enabling professional-grade workflows within constrained layouts.

Validation & Exposure

MotionGen received institutional funding and was selected for presentation at TEDxSBU 2014 as an example of applied design in engineering education, presented in an academic context.

Following public release, the app was adopted beyond the classroom and used in the design of a patented sit-to-stand linkage system for Biodex Medical Systems.

Demonstrations

Four-Bar Synthesis

Demonstration on how MotionGen solves a four-bar synthesis problem.

Additional Features

Exploring additional features and capabilities of MotionGen.

TEDxSBU 2014

Featured in TEDxSBU — "Machine Design Innovation through Technology and Education." Demonstration begins at 13:38.

Outcomes

What changed

Initiated and led a funded academic mobile application

Featured at TEDxSBU 2014 in the context of engineering education

Published across iOS, Android, and web platforms

Applied professionally in the design of a patented medical device

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