Women in Technology: Dames of Design at 3DEXPERIENCE World 2025
The Maker Zone at 3DEXPERIENCE World is a space where participants can explore and engage with functional and beautiful designs. It’s a fun way to discover the possibilities offered by today’s tools and technology, as well as to understand how innovative products are created.
At 3DEXPERIENCE World 2025, which took place this past February in Houston, Texas, the Maker Zone introduced an exciting new feature: Dames of Design. This special area showcased the work of female engineers and designers. It was part of the Women in Technology initiative at 3DEXPERIENCE World 2025, dedicated to empowering women and promoting gender diversity in engineering and manufacturing.
Exploring the Maker Zone
This year, the Maker Zone was divided into two main areas: the Midway and the Gallery. For those wanting to get their hands dirty (in the best possible way), the Midway area featured a community build that championed inclusion by allowing everyone to contribute.
Attendees had a chance to fabricate their own custom feathers to add to life-size, fully articulating mechanical wings. Unique feather forms were made using leather shaping, resin forming, and air-clay sculpting techniques. Anyone who made all three styles of feathers received a special metal feather formed from molds designed in SOLIDWORKS. The mechanical wings were a great photo opportunity, designed to be accessible to all heights, including those in wheelchairs.
The Gallery showcased inventive designs that combine engineering with art, bringing together everything from playful gadgets to home décor. Visitors could interact with these projects, either by trying them out or by learning the stories behind their creations.
Additional exhibitors in the Maker Zone included tech industry leaders like Orbital FX, Mad Scientist Workshop, Open R2, Bowhead Corp., RE3D, and more, providing plenty of opportunities to explore.
Meet the Dames of Design
A highlight of this year’s Gallery was the Dames of Design showcase, which was dedicated to supporting women in engineering, manufacturing, and technology. Attendees had the opportunity to view and interact with amazing projects created by female engineers.
One featured designer, Jade Wilson, is a toy designer, product engineer, and SOLIDWORKS Champion based in the UK. She combines her background in ceramics, product design, and 3D printing to create a wide range of items, from toys to jewelry to home goods. If Jade has an idea, she finds a way to bring it to life.
Another talented designer in the showcase was Rachael Naoum, a SOLIDWORKS Product Definition team engineer. She uses SOLIDWORKS to explore dressmaking and custom shoe design, creating custom patterns that fit perfectly. Rachael also demonstrated how CAD can be used to design Cricut machines. If you’ve ever wondered how engineering intersects with fashion, Rachael’s work is a must-see.
Yun Li, a SOLIDWORKS User Experience Design Manager, showcased projects ranging from mechatronics to a toddler armchair designed and created for the event. Yun Li’s ability to solve everyday problems with elegant DIY solutions is truly inspiring.
Mechanical engineer Nicole Walden brought her own blend of creativity to the showcase with an M&M dispenser that was as enjoyable to use as it was to create—and tasty too!
Finally, Chinloo Lama elevated functional art with her beautifully crafted jewelry display stand and a folding and ironing cart on wheels. Her attention to detail and eye for design are evident in every piece she creates.
Together, these women embody the spirit of the Maker Zone and are shining examples of influential women in technology: they are curious, skilled, and eager to share what they’ve learned with others.
What Will You Create?
The Maker Zone invited 3DEXPERIENCE World attendees to learn and participate. Whether building something to take home, contributing to the community project, or gathering tips from experienced makers, everyone left with a renewed appreciation of what you can create. After all, engineering is not just about function; it’s about creativity, problem-solving, and making things that bring joy or solve real challenges.
Are you ready to dive into your own Maker projects?
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