What do the Roles control?

Roles in Siemens NX are designed to enhance the user experience by customizing the interface based on specific tasks and workflows. They primarily control the buttons displayed in the ribbon groups, allowing users to access tools and commands that are relevant to their current role or project phase. This streamlining helps increase efficiency and productivity, as users have quick access to the functions they need without navigating through irrelevant options.

In contrast, the background color of a part is a visual preference and does not influence functionality. The application you are in refers to the general environment of Siemens NX, which is not specifically controlled by roles but rather by the context of the project or task. Permissions of the part file relate to access control and security but do not impact the user interface or the tools available in the ribbon. Thus, the primary function of roles within Siemens NX is indeed to manage the display of buttons in the ribbon groups.