Decision Support Tools for Parametric Design

Abstract

Computer-aided design tools can be of great assistance in the design process. However, commercial software typically caters to the optimisation of one objective and does not address the fact that real world problems tend to be solved by assessing the trade-offs between multitudes of competing objectives. Therefore the question is posed as to how computer-aided design tools can become assimilated into current design practice while aiding the complex decision-making process. A prototypical tool is presented that offers the capability to perform trade-off studies and is integrated within a parametric modelling environment. By defining the objectives, design variables and constraints of interest, a series of Pareto-optimal solutions comprising the trade-off surface is put forth from all possible permutations. The designer is assured that there exists no other solution whereby an objective can be improved upon without simultaneously placing another objective at a disadvantage. Such a tool can be effectively adopted and utilized to make more informed decisions in a relatively short amount of time.