Samsung Robotic Monitor
Putting Users in Control of Monitor Automation
Role
Timeline
Team
Platform
OVERVIEW
Leading a 0→1 robotic monitor experience
IMPACT
Establishing a validated product direction
Delivered a functional proof of concept on the physical robot
Validated the experience with 12 users
Presented the concept to Samsung leadership as a potential robotics direction
Background
Problem
Our Solution
A desktop widget that gives users clear control over automatic positioning, manual adjustments, and saved workspaces
WORK PROCESS
Planning project timline
Defining the product from zero
As the design lead, I defined the core use cases, established the interaction model, tested key assumptions, and partnered with engineers to implement the experience on the physical robot.
USER TESTING
Shaping product direction through research
Defining user needs through prototype testing
I tested the early prototype with 12 internal users to understand their workflows and identify where automation created friction.
One position cannot fit every workflow
Save custom position presets
Multiple windows clutter the screen
Access controls through one widget
Constant feedback becomes distracting
Personalize posture feedback
Turning user needs into hypotheses to test
Insights from interviews and prototype testing revealed key user needs, which I translated into hypotheses that guided the product direction.
(Research Synthesis)
SYSTEM PLANNING
Setting clear project goal
Aligning the interface and physical system
Every interface action affected the physical robot. I worked with software and mechanical engineers to map digital controls, robotic movement, and LED feedback as one connected system.
(User Flow)
User flows and storyboards helped the team prioritize valuable scenarios while balancing user needs, technical feasibility, and project scope.
(Scenario Sketch)
(Shared Dev Handoff)
INTERACTION MODEL
Improving accessibility
Making controls accessible with no clutter
Users wanted controls nearby without covering their workspace. I chose a persistent widget that remains available throughout the workday and expands only when detailed settings are needed.
(Concept Sketch)
USER TESTING
Testing and iteration
Focusing on the highest-risk interactions
Mid-fidelity testing revealed two critical issues: users struggled to understand three-dimensional position controls, and automatic workspace transitions felt unsafe. I focused the next iteration on making physical movement intuitive and predictable.
(User Testing Setup)
(Mid Fidelity Prototype & Feedback)
DESIGN CHALLENGE
Making robotic movement intuitive and safe
My biggest design challenge was representing height, depth, pivot, and rotation on a flat interface without overwhelming users.
I designed a two dimensional monitor preview that mirrors the robot’s position in real time, with controls placed directly over each movement. This matched users’ mental models while remaining technically feasible.
(Controller Design Explorations)
Making automatic movement feel safe
Testing showed that selecting a saved workspace moved the monitor too abruptly. I added a preview and confirmation step so users could understand the upcoming change, approve it, or cancel before movement began.
DESIGN IMPLEMENTATION
From design to development
Hand off implementation-ready specifications
I documented interaction behaviors, system states, and edge cases, then partnered with engineers through implementation and quality reviews.
FINAL DESIGN
Co-bot to boost your digital workforce
FINAL OUTCOME
Unveiling public feedback
From functional prototype to
business direction
The completed prototype combined the robotic monitor, desktop widget, tracking controls, and saved workspaces into one working experience.
The concept was presented to Samsung leadership as a potential direction for its robotics business.
REFLECTION
My take away from the journey
👊 Project challenge
📝 What I learned
Leading with evidence under pressure
Leading a 0→1 project meant creating clarity while the product was still evolving. Even within a tight timeline, I initiated user testing and continuously brought research evidence and clear reasoning into design decisions, helping the team align and move forward with confidence.
👉 What’s my next steps
