Generative Design
AI & Emerging Tech
Letting software explore thousands of possible forms against your constraints, then choosing from the results.
In practice
Generative design is a process where the designer sets the goals and constraints — loads, materials, cost, manufacturing method, where things must connect — and an algorithm generates and evaluates many candidate geometries, often organic-looking ones no person would have drawn. The designer's role shifts from author of the form to curator of the options.
Questions
What is Generative Design?
Generative design is using algorithms to produce and test many design alternatives from a set of goals and constraints, so the designer selects rather than draws the solution.
Why do you use Generative Design?
It finds forms that are lighter, stronger or cheaper than intuition reaches, and it shows you the whole space of what is possible instead of the first idea that worked.
How do you use/apply Generative Design?
Define what the part must do and what it cannot be, feed that to a generative tool, review the candidates against judgement the software lacks, then refine the one you choose.
When do you use Generative Design?
For structural parts, weight-critical products, and anywhere the performance envelope matters more than a preconceived look.
Who uses Generative Design?
Industrial designers, mechanical engineers and architects, especially those working with additive manufacturing.
