Surface modeling and human-centered design at Realize LIVE 2025
It’s that time of year again! Realize LIVE is headed to Amsterdam and I’m excited to present new sessions to demonstrate how NX can help engineers discover, test, and fine-tune their best designs. Throughout the three-day event, I will walk through surface design and human modeling capabilities of NX with live demos for an up-close view of the tools and capabilities that can level up your design. Let’s dive in.
Enhance aesthetics and ergonomics with freeform surfacing
From developing aerodynamic airplane wings to tea kettles with proper weight distribution, surface modeling ensures our designs perform efficiently, safely, and ergonomically. Siemens NX Surface Design capabilities allow designers to create complex curved surfaces and shapes for a wide array of applications.
The benefits of surface modeling extend as far as its applications. With Siemens NX Surface Design, you can achieve:
- Smooth, flowing surfaces
- Ergonomic optimization for user comfort
- Consistent design language to maintain brand identity
- Improved aerodynamics and fluid flow
- Enhanced structural integrity through stress distribution
- Optimized material usage
- Enhanced manufacturability
- Improved quality control
Watch Siemens NX Surface Design in action:
Tuesday, July 1, I will provide an in-depth look at the advanced surfacing capabilities of Siemens NX and provide tips to help you streamline your workflows. After our session, you will understand how to structure your surface models effectively, and walk away with techniques for creating both visually appealing and functional surface designs. Three lucky attendees will also win a gift from 3DConnexion, so be sure to add this session to your agenda!
Design for the best user experience
Product designs are not complete until we consider user experience. To ensure a product works as intended, we can test it virtually with human models in NX.
How does human modeling improve the design process? Aside from ensuring that our designs are safe, we can test how easy or comfortable it is for an end user to use our product. For example, are buttons or handles within a comfortable reach zone, or would the user have to strain to reach them? When it comes time to service the product, can the operator easily access the affected area? Can they see all controls and key displays from their position?
NX Human allows you to answer all of these questions and more, by placing accurate, highly customizable human models within the design environment alongside your digital twin. With NX Human, you can create human models based on age, weight, and height. Dictate their actions down to the smallest detail, such as extending a finger or shifting their gaze, or choose from preconfigured positions, such as sitting or driving. Use human models to operate your virtual design and ensure the final product delivers the best experience.
Watch the following video to see how human models can interact with your designs:
My next session on Wednesday, July 2 will dive into the different human modeling tools and features offered in NX, and teach you how to analyze human factors such as reach, visibility, accessibility, and comfort.
We have so many exciting things in store for Realize LIVE 2025. Be sure to stop by the Ask the Expert booth for a chat – I would be happy to answer any questions and help you get the most out of Siemens NX.
