In 2023, ASTRON took the step of incorporating a dedicated User Experience (UX) designer into its software development process. This decision aimed to enhance the accessibility and usability of services providing access to our data holdings, as well as to optimize the design of services within the SKA Regional Centres Network.

The field of astronomical software development has historically underemphasized UX design. ASTRON's initiative represents a shift, not only in improving our own tools but also in demonstrating to the broader community the value of integrating UX expertise into development teams.

This presentation will explore the impact of embedding a UX designer within our organisation. We will discuss:

• The rationale behind hiring a dedicated UX professional
• The integration of UX methodologies into our software development lifecycle
• Challenges and lessons learned in this integration process
• The potential for wider adoption of UX-focused approaches in astronomical software development

By sharing our experiences, we aim to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about best practices in software engineering within astronomy and astrophysics, emphasizing the critical role of user-centered design in creating more effective and accessible tools for the scientific community.