Improving Engineering Software Through Human-Centric UX: Boosting Usability and Productivity

Abstract: The transition of engineering software from code-driven interfaces to a world of smart, integrated design ecosystems has fundamentally registered to human-centered user experience (UX) design serving the ergonomics needs for professionals producing more productivity and creativity. This paper investigates the potential to systematically infuse human-centred design (HCD) principles into engineering software to enhance its usability, which works-flow utilization as well as cognitive ergonomics. Based on cross-disciplinary perspectives in engineering psychology, human–computer interaction (HCI), and software ergonomics, the paper relates engineers’ cognitive processes to interface design patterns applied in CAD, CAE and simulation software. Based a qualitative synthesis of recent literature and aggregate case studies, it elaborates on the key UX dimensions—learnability, workflow intuitiveness, visual clarity, customization, and decision-support feedback—as predictors of user satisfaction or performance. The results of the study indicate that current engineering tools tend to focus on computational power at the expense of ease of use, which in turn imposes a cognitive effort and inefficiency. This paper presents a Human-Centric UX framework that combines adaptive interfaces, context-aware visualization and accessibility standard methodologies to enhance interaction design for engineers. iii Abstract By focussing on empathy-led design, user feedback loops and cross-disciplinary working environments, this work makes a contribution to the continued conversation around sustainable, productive and inclusive engineering software development for the professionals of tomorrow.

Keywords: Human-Centred Design (HCD), Engineering Software Usability, Cognitive Ergonomics, Human–Computer Interaction (HCI), User Experience (UX) Framework.