🧠 From Pilot to Portfolio: A New Way to Learn Simulation by Topic
When we launched our first QuickStart module, our goal was simple: help new users get started faster with simulation on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform — with no setup, no installation, and no need to know everything before diving in.
What began as a pilot project quickly became something bigger: a series of short, structured, and scenario-based courses that focus on just one clear question: “How do I simulate this kind of behavior — and how do I do it on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform?” That question became our starting point. The result? A short, guided learning experience — one that helps new and returning users gain confidence fast, by simulating what actually matters to them.
🧩 5 short, thematic modules: Topology Optimization, Structural Simulation, Durability, Multibody Simulation, and Plastic Injection
✅ 100% Free ✅ Under 2 hours ✅ Learn by doing ✅ No installation required
🎯 Learning by Topic: Real-World Relevance First
QuickStart modules are designed around actual engineering topics — real use cases that engineers want to master- and always with platform adoption in mind.
Here are the five topics we started with:
🧩 Topology Optimization
Learn how to reduce weight while preserving performance — from design space to optimized shape.
We guide users step-by-step through model setup, optimization, and result interpretation.
🔁 Durability Simulation
Understand how a part behaves under fatigue.
Set up stress- or strain-based durability simulations and analyze life-limiting zones.
🧊 Plastic Injection Molding
Simulate how plastic fills the mold — and fix defects before production.
From gate setup to filling analysis, everything is simplified and hands-on.
🏗️ Structural Simulation
Simulate static loading conditions and analyze stress response.
A solid starting point for many mechanical engineers.
⚙️ Multibody Dynamics
Learn to simulate motion, joints, and time-based mechanisms in assemblies.
We make it accessible even if you’ve never touched motion simulation before.
Each module is short (< 2h), free, and designed for first-time users, with clear workflows, platform navigation tips, and immediate engineering value.
🧑💻 Who Is It For?
QuickStart is designed for many types of learners, including:
•New users discovering simulation for the first time
•Occasional users coming back after a break
•Engineers switching domains (e.g., from structures to fluids)
It also works well in blended learning journeys — as a first step before advanced training, or as a hands-on follow-up to theoretical content. And yes — it’s 100% free for all licensed 3DEXPERIENCE users!
🧭 A Guided, Step-by-Step Method
Every QuickStart module follows the same approach — built for confidence, autonomy, and clarity.
1.Discover – Get familiar with the interface and core concepts
2.Explore – Watch full, narrated workflows
3.Try it out – Practice in a safe, guided environment (no installation required)
4.Do it yourself – Complete a realistic scenario on your own, with help if needed
This “learn by doing” method empowers users to move forward at their own pace, while understanding both the what and the how of simulation.
🎥 Want to see how it works in action? Watch the video
💬 What Our Authors Say
“We created this QuickStart module to make topology optimization accessible from the very first click — not through theory, but through real, repeatable keys learners can apply to their challenges and truly own.”
— Claudia B., SIMULIA Training Portfolio Engineering
This course is all about helping learners to start with motion simulation — with the freedom to explore and simulate, without getting lost in complexity.”
— Nicolaï B., SIMULIA Training Portfolio Engineering
🚀 Why it Works — and What’s Next
What makes QuickStart so effective isn’t just the format — it’s the relevance. Instead of abstract training content, users get directly on the 3DSEXPERIENCE Platform:
✅ Concrete use cases tied to real engineering tasks
✅ Simulation goals they can relate to
✅ A clear view of when and why to use each app or method
That’s why QuickStart didn’t stay a pilot. It became a portfolio — one that continues to grow, topic by topic, and domain by domain.
🔗 Explore all QuickStart modules now on EduSpace.
💬 Questions? Feedback? We’re always building the next step — with and for our users.
Links to the Modules on EduSpace
•Quickstart: Structural Simulation on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform
•Quickstart: Topology Optimization on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform
•Quickstart: Motion and Multibody Simulation on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform
•Quickstart: Plastic Injection Simulation on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform
•Quickstart: Durability Simulation on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform
Interested in the latest in simulation? Looking for advice and best practices? Want to discuss simulation with fellow users and Dassault Systèmes experts? The SIMULIA Community is the place to find the latest resources for SIMULIA software and to collaborate with other users. The key that unlocks the door of innovative thinking and knowledge building, the SIMULIA Community provides you with the tools you need to expand your knowledge, whenever and wherever.
Katie is the Editor of the SIMULIA blog, an expert in engineering and scientific communication, and a strategic digital marketer. Katie has a BA in English and Writing from the University of Rhode Island and a MS in Technical Communication from Northeastern University. She is also a proud SIMULIA advocate, passionate about democratizing simulation for all audiences. Katie is a native Rhode Islander who lives just outside of her favorite city, Providence. She is a true New Englander and loves sharing all the cool things NE has to offer. She enjoys a variety of hobbies including history, astronomy, science/technology, science fiction, true crime, fashion and anything associated with nature and the outdoors. She is also mom to a 5-year old budding engineer and two crazy rescue pups.