Automated product concept design: unifying aesthetics and engineering

An experimental computer-aided design tool that actively assists in conceptual industrial design of consumer electronics products with injection-molded housings is discussed. This concept phase design tool uses manufacturing, ergonomic, aesthetic, and styling considerations to improve the entire product development process. The model´s organization level performs spatial partitioning of components. The surfacing level generates an enclosure for product design. The third level adds style-specific details, and the fourth level applies graphical elements such as color or decals. Examples are presented to show that the system can create designs both meaningful to humans and distinctive in style over a range of products.<>