In 2025, I designed a website portfolio for a CAD Engineer. Over 3 months, I collaborated with the engineer to translate complex mechanical data into a seamless digital experience. I built a technical design system and integrated 3D viewers, establishing a robust framework for showcasing engineering excellence. This case study walks through that journey
In 2025, I designed a website portfolio for a CAD Engineer. Over 3 months, I collaborated with the engineer to translate complex mechanical data into a seamless digital experience. I built a technical design system and integrated 3D viewers, establishing a robust framework for showcasing engineering excellence. This case study walks through that journey
Target Audience🚹
Target Audience🚹
Engineering Recruiters
Engineering Recruiters
Potential Clients
Potential Clients
Industry Peers
Industry Peers
Challenges faced ❌
The core challenge involved translating mechanical designs and prototypes into a high-performance web experience. I had to optimize heavy 3D CAD assemblies for fast browser loading without sacrificing technical detail or structural integrity. Balancing a minimalist, professional aesthetic with the data density required by engineering recruiters was critical to the project's success.
The core challenge involved translating mechanical designs and prototypes into a high-performance web experience. I had to optimize heavy 3D CAD assemblies for fast browser loading without sacrificing technical detail or structural integrity. Balancing a minimalist, professional aesthetic with the data density required by engineering recruiters was critical to the project's success.
File Optimization
Visual Clarity
Interactive Viewing
Key objectives?🎯
Key objectives?🎯
The primary goal of this project was to architect a sophisticated digital showroom that mirrors the technical rigor and precision inherent in CAD engineering. By adopting a "function-first" philosophy, I aimed to transform raw engineering data and complex technical files into a professional narrative that highlights both high-level design capability and a meticulous attention to detail. This involved creating a high-performance environment where intricate technical data feels accessible and intuitive, ensuring that the platform serves as a powerful bridge between complex engineering concepts and seamless user interaction. To achieve this, the project was built upon five strategic pillars designed to maximize institutional impact and technical authority. I focused on displaying engineering precision by showcasing high-fidelity 3D models and schematics with absolute clarity, while simultaneously establishing professional authority through a brand identity that signals reliability and excellence. This was supported by optimizing technical performance to ensure assets load without lag and centralizing a structured repository for project specifications. Ultimately, the platform was engineered to drive industry conversion, creating clear, efficient pathways for recruiters and clients to initiate technical collaborations.
The primary goal of this project was to architect a sophisticated digital showroom that mirrors the technical rigor and precision inherent in CAD engineering. By adopting a "function-first" philosophy, I aimed to transform raw engineering data and complex technical files into a professional narrative that highlights both high-level design capability and a meticulous attention to detail. This involved creating a high-performance environment where intricate technical data feels accessible and intuitive, ensuring that the platform serves as a powerful bridge between complex engineering concepts and seamless user interaction. To achieve this, the project was built upon five strategic pillars designed to maximize institutional impact and technical authority. I focused on displaying engineering precision by showcasing high-fidelity 3D models and schematics with absolute clarity, while simultaneously establishing professional authority through a brand identity that signals reliability and excellence. This was supported by optimizing technical performance to ensure assets load without lag and centralizing a structured repository for project specifications. Ultimately, the platform was engineered to drive industry conversion, creating clear, efficient pathways for recruiters and clients to initiate technical collaborations.
Display Engineering Precision
Display Engineering Precision
Establish Professional Authority
Establish Professional Authority
Optimize Technical Performance
Optimize Technical Performance
Centralize Documentation
Centralize Documentation
Drive Industry Conversion
Drive Industry Conversion
Project Discovery 🔬
Project Discovery 🔬
The discovery phase focused on aligning the portfolio’s architecture with the rigorous standards of the engineering industry. Through deep-dive sessions with the CAD engineer, I identified the need for a platform that could handle high-density data while maintaining a premium, minimalist feel. We prioritized features like interactive 3D inspection and organized project documentation to solve the challenge of presenting complex technical work to non-technical recruiters. This research ensured that the final design wasn't just aesthetic, but a functional tool for professional validation.
The discovery phase focused on aligning the portfolio’s architecture with the rigorous standards of the engineering industry. Through deep-dive sessions with the CAD engineer, I identified the need for a platform that could handle high-density data while maintaining a premium, minimalist feel. We prioritized features like interactive 3D inspection and organized project documentation to solve the challenge of presenting complex technical work to non-technical recruiters. This research ensured that the final design wasn't just aesthetic, but a functional tool for professional validation.
Strategy ⚙️
Strategy ⚙️
The website strategy for my CAD portfolio was architected to mirror the precision and rigor of mechanical engineering through a "function-first" digital environment. The core objective was to transform raw, complex engineering files into a sophisticated professional narrative, ensuring that dense technical data remains both accessible and intuitive for high-level recruiters and industry partners. By prioritizing performance and visual clarity, the strategy positions the portfolio not just as a gallery, but as a high-fidelity tool for technical validation and professional authority. This strategic framework was executed through five critical pillars designed to bridge the gap between engineering and digital experience. I developed a Technical Narrative Arc to guide viewers from high-level visual results into granular documentation, supported by an Optimized Asset Pipeline that renders heavy CAD data into lightweight, web-ready 3D models. The aesthetic is defined by Minimalist-Industrial Branding, using clean grids and technical typography to signal modern professionalism. To provide immediate proof of concept, I integrated Interactive 3D Viewers as tangible evidence of my modeling capabilities, all while maintaining a Streamlined Conversion Funnel to facilitate seamless technical collaboration.
The website strategy for my CAD portfolio was architected to mirror the precision and rigor of mechanical engineering through a "function-first" digital environment. The core objective was to transform raw, complex engineering files into a sophisticated professional narrative, ensuring that dense technical data remains both accessible and intuitive for high-level recruiters and industry partners. By prioritizing performance and visual clarity, the strategy positions the portfolio not just as a gallery, but as a high-fidelity tool for technical validation and professional authority. This strategic framework was executed through five critical pillars designed to bridge the gap between engineering and digital experience. I developed a Technical Narrative Arc to guide viewers from high-level visual results into granular documentation, supported by an Optimized Asset Pipeline that renders heavy CAD data into lightweight, web-ready 3D models. The aesthetic is defined by Minimalist-Industrial Branding, using clean grids and technical typography to signal modern professionalism. To provide immediate proof of concept, I integrated Interactive 3D Viewers as tangible evidence of my modeling capabilities, all while maintaining a Streamlined Conversion Funnel to facilitate seamless technical collaboration.
Technical Narrative Arc
Technical Narrative Arc
Optimized Asset Pipeline
Optimized Asset Pipeline
Minimalist-Industrial Branding
Minimalist-Industrial Branding
Interactive Proof of Concept
Interactive Proof of Concept
Design Process 🪄
The design process for my CAD portfolio was an iterative journey, meticulously structured to bridge complex engineering data with intuitive digital presentation. It began with an extensive Discussion & Ideation phase, where I dissected the unique requirements of showcasing high-precision mechanical designs to a discerning audience. This involved defining the ideal user journey for recruiters and clients, moving from high-level visual impact to granular technical detail. Following ideation, I translated these insights into Wireframes & Information Architecture. I meticulously sketched low-fidelity layouts, prioritizing the hierarchical display of project timelines, technical specifications, and 3D model interactivity. This foundational structure was then transitioned into Figma, where I built a comprehensive Design System. This system established a minimalist-industrial aesthetic, utilizing clean grids, technical typography, and a refined color palette to signal precision and professional authority. The core of the process involved High-Fidelity Prototyping and Asset Integration. This is where raw CAD files were transformed. I developed workflows to optimize heavy 3D models into lightweight, web-ready formats, integrating interactive viewers that allow for real-time manipulation. Every UI component, from project cards to embedded documentation, was refined to ensure pixel-perfect clarity and seamless performance across devices. Throughout, I maintained a rigorous Quality Assurance loop, testing for responsiveness, load times, and intuitive navigation, culminating in a final design that accurately reflects the technical rigor of my engineering work
The design process for my CAD portfolio was an iterative journey, meticulously structured to bridge complex engineering data with intuitive digital presentation. It began with an extensive Discussion & Ideation phase, where I dissected the unique requirements of showcasing high-precision mechanical designs to a discerning audience. This involved defining the ideal user journey for recruiters and clients, moving from high-level visual impact to granular technical detail. Following ideation, I translated these insights into Wireframes & Information Architecture. I meticulously sketched low-fidelity layouts, prioritizing the hierarchical display of project timelines, technical specifications, and 3D model interactivity. This foundational structure was then transitioned into Figma, where I built a comprehensive Design System. This system established a minimalist-industrial aesthetic, utilizing clean grids, technical typography, and a refined color palette to signal precision and professional authority. The core of the process involved High-Fidelity Prototyping and Asset Integration. This is where raw CAD files were transformed. I developed workflows to optimize heavy 3D models into lightweight, web-ready formats, integrating interactive viewers that allow for real-time manipulation. Every UI component, from project cards to embedded documentation, was refined to ensure pixel-perfect clarity and seamless performance across devices. Throughout, I maintained a rigorous Quality Assurance loop, testing for responsiveness, load times, and intuitive navigation, culminating in a final design that accurately reflects the technical rigor of my engineering work
Let's Design 🎭.
Let's Design 🎭.
The transition into Framer marked the pivotal moment where strategy evolved into a high-performance digital reality. Moving beyond research, this phase was dedicated to transforming complex mechanical concepts into a tangible, high-fidelity experience that prioritized technical precision. I focused on engineering fluid interactions and refining the UI to ensure every component reflected the rigor of the CAD discipline. Framer served as the ultimate canvas for merging creative design with functional execution, resulting in a seamless, intuitive, and visually rewarding professional platform.
The transition into Framer marked the pivotal moment where strategy evolved into a high-performance digital reality. Moving beyond research, this phase was dedicated to transforming complex mechanical concepts into a tangible, high-fidelity experience that prioritized technical precision. I focused on engineering fluid interactions and refining the UI to ensure every component reflected the rigor of the CAD discipline. Framer served as the ultimate canvas for merging creative design with functional execution, resulting in a seamless, intuitive, and visually rewarding professional platform.
🎭 Curtain Call
🎭 Curtain Call
Building a high-precision portfolio for a CAD engineer challenged me to design with the same mathematical rigor and structural integrity found in mechanical engineering. This project was a masterclass in systemic thinking, requiring me to lead through the ambiguity of translating dense industrial data into a fluid, user-centric interface. I had to strike a delicate balance between visual innovation and technical necessity, ensuring that while the site looked premium, it never compromised on the functional clarity required by a technical audience. What I am most proud of isn't just the sleek, dark-mode aesthetic, but the way we bridged the gap between complex engineering and digital accessibility. Whether it is a recruiter inspecting a high-polygon assembly or a client reviewing technical schematics, the friction of data-heavy viewing has been replaced by a seamless interactive experience. For the user, this isn't just a portfolio; it is a high-performance tool for professional validation. And that, to me, is the true power of design
Building a high-precision portfolio for a CAD engineer challenged me to design with the same mathematical rigor and structural integrity found in mechanical engineering. This project was a masterclass in systemic thinking, requiring me to lead through the ambiguity of translating dense industrial data into a fluid, user-centric interface. I had to strike a delicate balance between visual innovation and technical necessity, ensuring that while the site looked premium, it never compromised on the functional clarity required by a technical audience. What I am most proud of isn't just the sleek, dark-mode aesthetic, but the way we bridged the gap between complex engineering and digital accessibility. Whether it is a recruiter inspecting a high-polygon assembly or a client reviewing technical schematics, the friction of data-heavy viewing has been replaced by a seamless interactive experience. For the user, this isn't just a portfolio; it is a high-performance tool for professional validation. And that, to me, is the true power of design
