At Cirillo, one of the most challenging problems I owned was the connection between a central plate and several interchangeable modules. The connection needed to be secure, easy to swap, intuitive, and satisfying to use.

Our first design used magnets. It created a nice snapping experience, but the modules could separate when dropped or carried in a bag, which created a risk of damage. I then developed a 60-degree twist lock. It improved retention, but users found it difficult to align and understand, and twisting the connection could accidentally loosen another rotating part of the module.

I eventually redesigned it as a push-button latch with two small locking claws. Pressing the side buttons released the module, while angled lead-in surfaces helped guide it back into place and allowed the spring-loaded claws to lock automatically. This removed the need to twist the module and made the operation more intuitive.

The project taught me that a successful mechanism has to balance reliability, manufacturability, and user experience rather than optimizing only one requirement.

Cirilll Stick