# S2E42 The Importance of Design Intent in CAD Modeling, SOLIDWORKSsecrets.com | Devon Newman

- Show: [Being an Engineer](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer)
- Published: 2021-10-01
- Length: 39m
- Episode: 42
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2021-10-01-s2e42-the-importance-of-design-intent-in-cad-modeling-solidworkssecrets-com-devo
- Listen: https://teampipeline.us/solidworkssecrets-devon-newman/

## Summary

Devon Newman, co-founder of SOLIDWORKSsecrets.com, discusses his journey from mechanical engineer to creating online training for SolidWorks. He explains the strategic decision to build a proprietary platform and exclusive Facebook community rather than relying on third-party sites like Udemy or LinkedIn Learning to maintain control and foster engagement. Newman also shares technical insights on CAD modeling, emphasizing 'design intent' and top-down modeling to ensure models remain flexible and easy to update during the design process.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2021-10-01-s2e42-the-importance-of-design-intent-in-cad-modeling-solidworkssecrets-com-devo#t=0) Introduction and Background
- [3:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2021-10-01-s2e42-the-importance-of-design-intent-in-cad-modeling-solidworkssecrets-com-devo#t=211) Building the SOLIDWORKSsecrets Brand
- [5:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2021-10-01-s2e42-the-importance-of-design-intent-in-cad-modeling-solidworkssecrets-com-devo#t=330) Platform Strategy and Community
- [9:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2021-10-01-s2e42-the-importance-of-design-intent-in-cad-modeling-solidworkssecrets-com-devo#t=567) Marketing and Team Structure
- [15:24](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2021-10-01-s2e42-the-importance-of-design-intent-in-cad-modeling-solidworkssecrets-com-devo#t=924) Course Development Challenges
- [19:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2021-10-01-s2e42-the-importance-of-design-intent-in-cad-modeling-solidworkssecrets-com-devo#t=1183) Design Intent and CAD Best Practices
- [27:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2021-10-01-s2e42-the-importance-of-design-intent-in-cad-modeling-solidworkssecrets-com-devo#t=1645) Client Management and Product Design
- [30:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2021-10-01-s2e42-the-importance-of-design-intent-in-cad-modeling-solidworkssecrets-com-devo#t=1836) Entrepreneurial Fears and Advice

## Topics

- [EDA & CAD tools](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/eda-and-cad-tools)
- [Direct-to-consumer & e-commerce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/direct-to-consumer)
- [Marketing & brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/marketing-and-brand)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- SolidWorks (tool)
- ANSYS (tool)
- SOLIDWORKSsecrets.com (company)
- Teachable (tool)
- Phononic (company)
- Hex 2.0 (product)
- LinkedIn Learning (other)
- Udemy (other)
- Skillshare (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [An Interview with John Saunders](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2018-02-11-an-interview-with-john-saunders) (The Amp Hour)
- [Ep. 12 - Improving FreeCAD ft. Brad Collette from Ondsel](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2024-01-18-ep-12-improving-freecad-ft-brad-collette-from-ondsel) (Open Hardware Manufacturing Podcast)
- [153: The Evolution of CAD Product Development Software](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2022-12-07-153-the-evolution-of-cad-product-development-software) (Product Startup)
- [S3 E1: Mastering Tech Adoption and The Hardware Development Workflow with Jon Hirshtick](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-builder-circle/2025-09-30-s3-e1-mastering-tech-adoption-and-the-hardware-development-workflow-with-jon-hir) (The Builder Circle)
- [461: Check Out My Immune System!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2024-11-08-461-check-out-my-immune-system) (Making It)

## Citing this page

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