Optimizing User Transition and Workflow for Ansys Discovery Users
The purpose of our 2023 usability study is to first determine if the HUD needs further changes to ensure that it does not prevent the migration of experienced model-prep-focused SpaceClaim users to Discovery.
Overview
Ansys Discovery is a 3D Simulation Software which features the first simulation-driven design tool combining instant physics simulation, high-fidelity simulation and interactive geometry modelling in a single easy-to-use experience. As an UX intern at the Design Business Unit I had the chance to participate in the summer 2023 usability study to analyze the user experience of the Head-up Display feature of the powerful software.
The purpose of our 2023 usability study is to first determine if the HUD needs further changes to ensure that it does not prevent the migration of experienced model-prep-focused SpaceClaim users to Discovery. And, if further changes are needed to the HUD for geometry modelling tasks, we want to determine whether design attention should be focused on the dynamically positioned HUD or the pinned-position HUD.
This is an intern project, please contact me to learn more about this study :)
What is a Head-up Display (HUD)?
Head-up displays are used in cars or aircraft to provide visual information to the drivers in their field of view. It consists of a display and an optical system that creates a virtual image for the driver. The optical system and display are placed under the dashboard. In Discovery, the HUD represents two in-screen panels one on either side of the interface providing users with access to commonly used commands.
Process
For this study, we recruited nine SpaceClaim users using criteria such as:
- They work for a customer company
- They have used SpaceClaim regularly for at least two years
- They have experience performing complicated modelling tasks
The tasks the participants performed during the studies are designed to help us observe user behaviour and gather information to answer our research questions.
The tasks include:
- Building an engine mount based on the provided specifications
- Open an assembly
- Defeature the bracket part of the assembly using only the Fill tool
- Insert a prebuilt engine mount
- Assembling the engine mount to the bracket using the Move tool to align faces
- Move misaligned holes in the engine mount using the Move tool
Results
Data Analysis
In summary, the results of this study suggested that four of the participants preferred the dynamic HUD, two preferred the pinned HUD, and three could not decide on their preference.
Insights and Pain Points
After synthesizing all the research data, I was able to identify several needs of users as they were observed during the exercise sessions.
Team Report
The last task I was responsible for was to prepare an executive summary of results to share with our stakeholders, including recommendations about where design changes are needed. The four main findings we shared with the rest of the design team include:
