While I am a software engineer, I don't particularly identify with your self-ascribed and generalised engineers' view. Maybe I'm different because I've previously manned help desks. Maybe I'm more neurotic than you are.
I always design from a perspective of having experienced a lot of truly horrible software, from websites that require spelunking to find the nugget you came to find to HR time-tracking applications that don't even allow you to define a standard week.
While I do assume people like using software and all the cool features, that stance takes a backseat to thinking about how to:
* fit flows to what they actually want to achieve
* minimise the amount of data entry and clicks
* produce meaningful messages (errors, tooltips and descriptive text)
* not overwhelm the user with features irrelevant to the current view/flow.
I'm by no means particularly knowledgeable in "formal" UX, but I find focusing on usability does make users appreciate your software more. YMMV
I think you're interpreting my comment too literally, I'm basically saying the same thing you are; I also try to think of software from the perspective of people who will actually be using it. All I'm saying is that I've noticed that often engineers and product-owners ( or whatever we call a boss nowadays) are out-of-touch with what their end users actually want and need.
I always design from a perspective of having experienced a lot of truly horrible software, from websites that require spelunking to find the nugget you came to find to HR time-tracking applications that don't even allow you to define a standard week.
While I do assume people like using software and all the cool features, that stance takes a backseat to thinking about how to:
* fit flows to what they actually want to achieve
* minimise the amount of data entry and clicks
* produce meaningful messages (errors, tooltips and descriptive text)
* not overwhelm the user with features irrelevant to the current view/flow.
I'm by no means particularly knowledgeable in "formal" UX, but I find focusing on usability does make users appreciate your software more. YMMV