Human Factors for Software Engineering & Human-System Interaction at DLR
Intelligente und Verteilte Systeme & Institut für Softwaretechnologie
My Role
Research Assistant & Working Student
Supervisor
Dr. Ing. Sabine Theis
Tools & Tech
Internship Certificate
View Praktikum Zeugnis
Confidentiality Notice
Due to confidentiality agreements, specific project details, data, and visual materials cannot be publicly disclosed. The following descriptions focus on my contributions, methods, and impact.
Future Mobility Systems (MoDa)
DLR – Institute of Software Technology
Overview
Worked on supporting services for future mobility platforms, focusing on making complex, data-driven systems more understandable and usable for diverse stakeholders.
What I Did
- Analyzed user workflows and interaction patterns in complex digital systems
- Designed and supported data visualization approaches for better system comprehension
- Identified usability barriers and accessibility challenges in data-heavy interfaces
- Structured documentation to improve onboarding and user adoption
Impact
- Improved clarity and usability of mobility-related systems
- Enabled better decision-making through clearer data representation
- Supported adoption of complex platforms across interdisciplinary users
Kadi4Mat – Electronic Laboratory Notebook (ELN)
DLR – Human-Centered Digitalisation of Lab Environments
Overview
Contributed to the design and development of a digital platform for managing laboratory workflows, documentation, and collaboration.
What I Did
- Conducted user-centered design workshops to uncover user needs and pain points
- Identified challenges in GUI, workflows, and scientific data handling
- Contributed to AI-supported concepts for improving lab documentation and processes
- Created structured documentation for users, researchers, and developers
Impact
- Enhanced usability of digital lab environments
- Improved collaboration and data accessibility in research workflows
- Supported transition toward human-centered scientific digitalization
VAST – Aeromechanics Simulation Platform
DLR – Aerospace Simulation (Human Factors)
Overview
Worked on evaluating and improving a safety-critical simulation platform used for helicopter aeromechanics research.
What I Did
- Conducted task analysis and workflow evaluation in simulation environments
- Performed user interviews with domain experts and aerospace stakeholders
- Identified human–system interaction challenges in complex simulation tools
- Translated user insights into actionable design and system requirements
- Collaborated with developers to improve usability and efficiency
Impact
- Improved interaction design in safety-critical aerospace systems
- Increased usability and workflow efficiency for expert users
- Contributed to human-centered improvements in high-stakes engineering tools
Across these projects, I worked at the intersection of human factors, HCI, and complex systems, focusing on making data-intensive and safety-critical technologies more usable, accessible, and human-centered.
Key Outcomes & Impact
Improved usability and interaction efficiency in safety-critical simulation tools through systematic task analysis and user interviews
Clear, evidence-based user requirements derived from qualitative and participatory research methods across multiple projects
Design recommendations addressing cognitive workload, interaction breakdowns, and collaboration challenges in complex systems
Enhanced data visualization strategies that improved system comprehension and user adoption in mobility and scientific platforms
Contributed to human-centered improvements in high-stakes aerospace systems and enterprise-level software platforms
Gained hands-on experience applying HCI and human factors methods to real-world engineering environments with diverse stakeholder groups
Across these projects, I worked at the intersection of human factors, HCI, and complex systems, focusing on making data-intensive and safety-critical technologies more usable, accessible, and human-centered.