As a developer attending the VEX Robotics Educators Conference meant a lot to me. It’s rare to have the chance to chat directly with teachers who actually use the software you help build, so I genuinely appreciated every conversation.
While showing off some of our latest features, I had several eye-opening conversations. One memorable moment was sharing api.vex.com. Honestly, I didn’t expect such enthusiastic reactions. Teachers were thrilled with the detailed documentation and examples. They explained how it could empower their students to confidently explore coding and troubleshoot independently. Their excitement gave me a deeper appreciation for the power of clear, accessible documentation.
Another insightful conversation focused on simplifying the toolbox for specific lessons. This led to a discussion about the challenges students face when necessary tools aren’t immediately visible, as well as how overwhelming it can be if everything is displayed at once. This was a valuable perspective on the balance we developers need to maintain when designing user interfaces.
One of the most inspiring interactions was with a teacher who had personally interviewed students competing at VEX Worlds about their programming choices. He discovered that many students believed using C++ was essential to being competitive, a misconception we had never realized existed. His energy and dedication to uncovering student perspectives reminded me how important it is for us to understand our users’ experiences.
I had many more meaningful conversations beyond these examples, each highlighting the incredible value of working closely with educators. They continuously help us understand and shape what we build.
Read other reflections from the 2025 VEX Robotics Educators Conference in this Insights article!
