Forma

Team

2 Engineers

Role

Founding UX Designer

When

Jan 2023 - Jan 2024

Overview

As a founding designer at Forma, I oversaw the entire design process from conceptualization to the launch of our desktop application, which is integrated with Blender (3D modeling software).

Forma empowers architects to leverage computation in their 3D models, making coding accessible for architects.

The Problem

Architects struggle with leveraging computation for their 3D models due to the steep learning curve of computer science.

The Landscape

Current tools for incorporating computation into architectural design are complex and require extensive coding knowledge.

Basic Rhinoscript in Rhinoceros 3D

Basic Script in Revit

User Research

Usability Tests & Findings

I interviewed 30 architects over a 2-week period to uncover their pain points in using computation in their design workflows, focusing on the usability of computational design tools.

Learning Coding is Hard

"I don't have time to learn on top of everything else—I just want to design."
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"There are so many keywords and concepts you have to know beforehand.”
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"I looked into a coding bootcamp, but it felt focused on software development, not anything I could actually use in my work."
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Existing Tools Disrupt Workflow

“I’ve tried Generative AI websites for generating 3D models but the wait time just kills the workflow."
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"Being able to make tweaks and see the results right away would save me so much time."
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User Personas

The Idea Explorer

A junior architect at a small design firm who loves experimenting with design ideas to spark creativity. He wants a simple interface to quickly adjust parameters.

The Precision Programmer

A senior architect who needs a tool to program complex relationships between metrics for precise optimization.

Designs

Adjusting Parameters

Coding Lab

Usability Test

We tested the MVP with architects in their workflows. Below are 2 major learnings.

Users defaulted to maxing out certain parameters because they didn’t see value in anything between 0 (lowest) and 10 (highest).

Users wanted to pick from all available options for the coding portion upfront rather than having to look around for the intended function.

Solution

Adjusting Parameters (Point Allocation)

Coding Lab (with Drag & Drop)

Results

What I Learned

Founding Designer

I established a user-centered design approach from day one, ensuring that every product iteration aligned with user needs and business goals.

User-Centric Testing

I prioritized testing with users actually using the product early and often, using prototypes as tools for gathering truthful insights to validate and guide decisions.