Engineers using computer‐aided design and knowledge‐based systems: Changing professional roles

The role of engineers using computer‐aided design (CAD) systems, and the changes which have, taken place regarding work content and tasks, stress‐related health problems, and leisure time were analyzed. We compared these earlier results with initial findings from an ongoing research program studying the introduction and use of knowledge‐based systems (KBS). Changes in the organizational and psychosocial work environment were also analyzed. The obstacles and facilitating factors involved in the introduction and use of CAD systems with corresponding results from early experiences with KBS, from a Swedish perspective were discussed. We concluded that similar experiences with these technological tools confirm our overall hypothesis, that a well‐functioning psychosocial work environment is a prerequisite for the implementation of these systems.