Francisco Molina

I mentor UCI student founders building physical products and help them move from idea to early stage R&D with speed and clarity. My focus is making concepts tangible, reducing technical uncertainty, and setting teams up for real market proof. I support teams by translating problem statements into product requirements, guiding rapid concept exploration, defining proof of concept plans, and advising on appearance models for pitches and pre launch assets. I also help teams choose practical prototyping paths using 3D CAD and rapid fabrication, introduce DFM basics and realistic next steps toward production, and coach on product development readiness for crowdfunding and early validation funnels. Tools and methods include SolidWorks, rapid prototyping, concept sketching, technical development planning, and a phase based approach from visualization to validation to production.

Project Advisor at UC Irvine Beall Applied Innovation supporting UCI medtech startups. I help teams strengthen ergonomics and human factors by improving the connection between the product and the user or patient, with a focus on comfort, usability, safety, and real world interaction. I also advise on product development and industrial design decisions that make the device more intuitive, manufacturable, and credible as a real product, including form factor, feature prioritization, materials and CMF direction, and prototype driven iteration. My goal is to help teams align user needs with a clear design intent and a practical path from concept to a buildable, testable device.

As Founder of Invento Design, I lead all areas of product development, design strategy, and client relations. My goal is to help entrepreneurs, startups, and companies transform ideas into functional, manufacturable, and market ready products. I oversee design development and product creation from early concept to prototype and production support. • I manage client relationships, partnerships, and project planning to ensure clear communication and progress. • I direct the creative process, balancing innovation, quality, and practical execution. • I lead collaboration with organizations, patent professionals, and innovation programs to support new product initiatives.

Designed personal protective equipment including head and eye protection, adhering to ANSI, CE, CSA, and OSHA standards ● Led the development of hand tools focused on ergonomics, design consistency, and user-centered functionality ● Communicated directly with in-house and overseas engineers to align manufacturing goals with design intent ● Contributed to early-stage concept development, improving product mechanisms and user interface informal user testing among team members to evaluate comfort, usability, and aesthetics with structured feedback methods

● Developed a comprehensive framework that allows to quickly design and produce a custom orthosis from the patient’s anthropomorphic parameters ● Designed and introduced the first 3D printed collection of orthoses with a unique product DNA that enables easy design updates for future launches

● Built and managed the company’s design studio, composed of two Designers and two Associate Designers ● Developed the company’s standard project life-cycle process which facilitated the design team to have clear understanding of the overall project funnel and specific project scope, while providing clients visibility of the evolution of their projects ● Created and implemented new procedures such as standardization of the Design Brief and presentation templates, 3D CAD building methods, rendering formats, technical drawing layouts, and more ● Conducted kickoff meetings and review presentations with clients in person and remotely using digital white board platforms ● Spearheaded over 150 product development projects in a time frame of 3 years, while leading the day-to-day operations of the design studio

● Elaborated design concepts, 3D CAD modeling and technical drawings of various SKU’s in the categories of hardware, hand tools, and power tools ● Streamlined the feedback loop process with external co-manufacturers and engineers enabling the company to be ready for production four weeks sooner ● Organized internal and external multimedia presentations for brainstorming and ideation sessions and design review meetings

Assisted in the development of products from concept stage to completion for Casa Décor art installation. Presented free-hand sketches, rendering of drawings, and prototypes to manufacturers and clients. Conducted research on material selection for projects & evaluated products for human interface & ergonomics.