Ansys: Redefining User Interfaces, Workflows, and GenAI Integration
Overview
Ansys is a global leader in engineering simulation software, providing innovative solutions for industries ranging from aerospace to automotive. Recognizing the importance of user experience, Ansys is actively investing in UX maturity and driving consistency across its diverse product portfolio through the Ansys Design Language (ADL). During my internship, I focused on how the ADL can be leveraged to enhance the user experience, while also exploring potential integrations with other Ansys software and the company's new generative AI chat capabilities.
Context
Full-time internship
Timeline: Jan - Apr 2024
Team
Design Business Unit
PMs, SMEs, Engineers
My role
User Research
Wireframing
Design System
Visual Design
#1: Applying ADL to Electronics Desktop
GOAL
Integrating the ADL into the Ansys Electronics Desktop UI and developing new components to address product-specific needs
As part of Ansys' drive for greater product consistency, I applied the ADL to Ansys Electronics Desktop. I streamlined the toolbar by removing duplications and consolidating functions, while also designing new components through multiple rounds of ideation and iteration.
AEDT before and after applying ADL
Up next...
And other projects...
Turning to...
#4: Iconography, Interaction Design, Specs Documentation, & More
I also contributed to various smaller projects, gaining deeper insights into Ansys products, the Design team’s workflows, and cross-functional collaboration with Project Managers and Engineers.
1. Creating icons
Ideation process and final icons
2. Slider interactions
Interaction and specs documentation
3. Tabular input control documentation
Specs and behavior documentation
KEY LEARNINGS
A new domain that challenged me to continuously learn—both technically and collaboratively
Deep product understanding
It was crucial to gain a thorough understanding of Ansys products, particularly Discovery. This involved learning the technical aspects and use cases and considering edge cases that frequently arose due to the software's complex nature. I was fascinated to expand my knowledge in areas like fluid dynamics and topology optimization, which greatly informed and enhanced my design process.
Cross-functional collaboration
Working closely with Senior Designers, Product Managers, and SMEs taught me how to effectively communicate and collaborate across disciplines, especially given the technical complexity of our products. Through collaboration with SMEs during the Selective Cloud Download project, I gained a deeper understanding of user workflows, which enabled me to redesign tree nodes in a more intuitive and meaningful way.
THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS FAR DOWN!
Still interested? Check out more of my work!
INTERNSHIP / SHIPPED
#2: Selective Cloud Download for Optimization Results
GOAL
Enabling users to selectively download topology optimization results from the cloud, reducing download times and saving storage space
Previously, users had to download all topology optimization results from the cloud, even when only a few were needed. With results ranging from tens to hundreds, this process was inefficient and consumed significant time and storage space. My project introduced a streamlined solution, allowing users to selectively download only the results they needed. This feature is an improvement for 24.2 Release.
Topology optimization result table
#3: Seamless Design for AnsysGPT
GOAL
Creating a distinct visual brand for Ansys GPT—including icon, colors, and style guide—that seamlessly integrates within existing Ansys products
I conducted research on existing GenAI chat interfaces to explore icon, color, and style options for AnsysGPT. Additionally, I investigated how the AnsysGPT chatbox could be seamlessly and immersively integrated within Ansys products, such as Discovery. This project is under NDA; please contact me for more information.
AnsysGPT as of 2024