Anything designed by engineers for engineers is probably not going to have much style. A lot of software out there works the same way it has worked since the 80

Anything designed by engineers for engineers is probably not going to have much style. A lot of software out there works the same way it has worked since the 80s because the guys originally making it back then still make it today, same with their users. Clunky CAD software like Cadence is probably the most obvious example. I could have gone back in time to 1995 and the software wouldn't look any different. At least things like AutoCAD maintain their old school functionality but add features and UI improvements. It all depends on what kind of market the software company is looking to sell to. Autodesk wants to be on the front of innovation for their stuff so they can sell to new companies and education (i.e. young people). Cadence sells to companies that have been doing the same stuff for years and have no plans on changing.