The Challenge
CFD applications are inherently complex. They involve nonlinear workflows, intricate physics models, and large data sets that require deep technical expertise to interpret. Traditionally, this complexity has limited adoption by only highly trained analysts.
Our challenge was clear:
- Preserve the accuracy and depth required by experts.
- Lower barriers to entry for non-specialist engineers and designers.
Balancing these goals required a complete rethinking of how people interact with simulation. From redesigning the workflow structure to visual hierarchy, guidance and feedback.
Our UX Approach
At SIMULIA, our UX approach blends user research, design thinking and agile iteration within the R&D process. Every enhancement begins with observation: understanding how engineers set up simulations, where they face friction and how they interpret results.
This insight-driven process allows us to design solutions that:
- Simplify setup and configuration while retaining control.
- Guide users with contextual feedback, visual cues and logical workflows.
- Use clarity and consistency at every step to build trust and confidence.
The Capabilities and Updates
Recent updates to Fluid Dynamics Engineer reflect this UX philosophy in action. Key improvements focus on making complex workflows intuitive and accelerating learning without reducing capability:
- Faster simulation model preparation: With explicit flow volume extraction we reduce the time to setup the model and provide clarity to users about the simulation volume.
- Automatically filling gaps: With the Auto Fill Small Gaps, the software intelligently detects and seals tiny openings in geometry, reducing manual cleanup and significantly shortening model setup time.
- Guided Analysis Definition: Using Assistant, Contextual prompts and clearer language make defining Domain definitions, boundary conditions and parameters more approachable.
- Streamlined Physics Management: The new Physics Manager centralizes setup and control of simulation parameters, giving users clearer visibility and faster access to complete simulation definition.
- Intuitive Visualization: Data presentation has been redesigned to emphasize insight and clarity over aesthetics, helping users interpret flow behavior with confidence.
- Faster Meshing setup: With automatic Mesh specification and the new CVM Meshing technology, users can generate high-quality meshes more quickly and reliably, reducing setup effort while maintaining precision
- And many more!
Each capability is designed to bridge the gap between scientific precision and human understanding.
Strategic Impact
By integrating UX thinking into the Fluids portfolio, Dassault Systèmes is enabling a broader engineering audience to leverage simulation earlier in the design process. This shift not only improves productivity but also fosters collaboration across disciplines, from design to manufacturing.
The impact is clear:
- Increased adoption among non-expert users.
- Reduced time-to-insight in simulation workflows.
- Higher confidence in decision-making across teams.
When simulation becomes more approachable, it becomes more powerful.
As engineering challenges grow more complex, the need for intuitive, intelligent simulation tools becomes essential. Through continuous research, design refinement, and collaboration with our users, we’ll keep advancing the mission to democratize simulation. There’s a lot more to come.
Stay tuned.
Interested in the latest in simulation? Looking for advice and best practices? Want to discuss simulation with fellow users and Dassault Systèmes experts? The SIMULIA Community is the place to find the latest resources for SIMULIA software and to collaborate with other users. The key that unlocks the door of innovative thinking and knowledge building, the SIMULIA Community provides you with the tools you need to expand your knowledge, whenever and wherever.
Asad Khan is a UX Designer at Dassault Systèmes, where he focuses on embedding user-centered design and agile research into complex engineering and simulation workflows. He leads the UX Design for Fluid Simulation Applications and works closely with product, engineering, and research teams to translate insights into actionable design direction, and deliver more intuitive, effective solutions. Asad has a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering and Masters in Design Engineering from Brown University and RISD.