Publication
Parameters Tell the Design Story: Ideation and Abstraction in Design Optimization
Abstract
We report qualitative findings from interviews and observations detailing how professionals generate and evaluate design ideas using design optimization tools. We interviewed 18 architects and manufacturing design professionals. We frame our findings using the Geneplore model of creative cognition and classify examples of ideation and abstract design thinking arising from optimization workflows. Contrary to our expectations, we found that the computed optimum was often used as the starting point for design exploration, not the end product. We also found that parametric models, plus their associated parameters and simulations, serve as an alternate, highly valued form of design documentation distinct from engineering schematics.
Download publicationAssociated Researchers
Related Resources
See what’s new.
2025
Jet Engine Efficiency takes off at the Autodesk GallerySee how an Autodesk Research project aimed at making more efficient…
2003
Effects of Team Size on Participation, Awareness, and Technology Choice in Geographically Distributed TeamsIn this paper we investigate the effects that team size has on…
2010
On discrete Killing vector fields and patterns on surfacesSymmetry is one of the most important properties of a shape, unifying…
2001
Interaction Techniques for 3D Modeling on Large DisplaysWe present an alternate interface for 3D modeling for use on large…
Get in touch
Something pique your interest? Get in touch if you’d like to learn more about Autodesk Research, our projects, people, and potential collaboration opportunities.
Contact us