Authors: Viraj P. Tathavadekar
Abstract: This study investigates the use of generative AI and human-centered design for sustainable solutions to the ever-more pervasive problems within software development processes with a particular view to improving cross-functional collaboration. The modeling of modern Software Development Life Cycles (SDLCs) is further complicated by such things as vague requirements, continuous changes, and integration problems, all of which delay projects and increase their cost. The enormous integration gaps that the present study identifies are connecting AI-driven technologies with human-centered design practices, especially in creating collaboration among varied teams but ensuring technology sustainability. Research objectives consist of studying generative AI's role in enhancing requirements gathering, design processes, and further automated intelligent decision-making in testing, application deployment, and maintenance. It also aims at understanding the challenges key stakeholders confront across different SDLC phases. This is being done through a mixed-methods research approach combining quantitative data on AI tool effectiveness: reducing technical debt and increasing efficiency in teams, with correspondent qualitative insights from industry case studies. The major outcomes indicate that AI-driven tools do not just improve the efficiency of processes, but are also conducive to sustainable development practice as they reduce resource consumption, promote better collaboration. Implications are that generative AI and human-centered design can transform SDLC practices leading to higher-quality products and much lower maintenance costs as well as overall sustainability in software development projects.
