My UX Research Internship at MathWorks
By Xinyue, user experience intern
Spending a summer with the Simscape Electrical team at MathWorks was one of the most rewarding experiences of my academic journey so far. I joined as a UX research intern with the goal of improving usability for engineers working with complex simulations—and I left with stronger research skills, a deeper technical understanding of power electronics and control design, and a firsthand look at how great software is built.
From day one, I was trusted with meaningful, user-centered work. My projects included improving how engineers import semiconductor data, leading a usability study for a new app, and exploring how users navigate the semiconductor library. Each initiative gave me a chance to collaborate closely with developers, UX designers, and customer-facing engineers, turning real user pain points into actionable improvements.
Learning, Growing, and Connecting
Being part of the UX team was incredibly enriching. Early on, I supported user studies and took notes during MathWorks Usability Lunch sessions, where customers visited our office to share feedback. These experiences helped me build interpersonal skills and a deeper understanding of research methodologies. I also participated as a user in a study on self-paced courses, which gave me practical insights I could apply directly to my own work. Joining the UX book club was another highlight. It motivated me to expand my knowledge and engage in thoughtful discussions with UX researchers and designers.
I also appreciated the balance between independence and support. I had the freedom to lead my own studies and present findings to the international UX team across multiple offices. Whenever I had questions, someone was always willing to explain a technical detail or offer feedback. This environment gave me a strong sense of ownership and helped me grow as both a researcher and a communicator.
For any student interested in the intersection of technology and design, I highly recommend this internship as a place to learn, contribute, and grow.
Reflections on a Collaborative Culture
One of the most memorable aspects of my internship was the collaborative culture. Engineers from across MathWorks—software developers and customer-facing teams—participated in my usability studies and shared their perspectives. This cross-functional teamwork not only strengthened my research but also gave me a clear view of how product decisions are made in large organizations.
Looking back, this internship gave me exactly what I hoped for, and more. I refined my UX research methods, gained confidence collaborating with engineers, and saw my work directly impact product usability. For any student interested in the intersection of technology and design, I highly recommend this internship as a place to learn, contribute, and grow.
