The role of user-centered design in software applications is to prioritize the needs, experiences, and preferences of end-users throughout the development process. This approach involves user research, testing, and feedback to ensure that the software is intuitive, accessible, and meets the users' expectations. By focusing on user needs, development teams can create systems that enhance usability and drive user satisfaction. Adopting user-centered design leads to better engagement, increased adoption rates, and overall success of software applications, as they directly address the challenges and preferences of real users.