An Interactive Evolutionary Environment for Creative Design

A creative and/or innovative computer aided design environment is developed around the concept of an evolutionary optimization algorithm. Designs are generated within a set of prescribed design frameworks using a problem specific encoding and modified through operations including recombination, crossover and mutation. Evaluation of all candidate designs is performed by a user through a graphical user interface. A set of problems involving the creation of graphic images is presented. The examples include the generation of a set of two dimensional polygonal shapes, fractal images, path generation from a multi-degree freedom mechanical planar linkage and a mathematically prescribed pattern generation from a graphic design application utilized in quilting. Post design evaluation of the user input to the process provides insight into the individuals design strategy as well as determination of common user attributes in the creative design process.