Hypothesis Formation and Qualitative Reasoning in Molecular Biology

This article discusses building a computable design process model, which is a prerequisite for realizing intelligent computer-aided design systems. First, we introduce general design theory, from which a descriptive model of design processes is derived. Second, we show a cognitive design process model obtained by observing design processes using a protocol analysis method. In the computable model, a design process is regarded as an iterative logical process realized by abduction, deduction, and circumscription.

This article proposes connectionism as an alternative to classical cognitivism in understanding design. It also considers the difficulties encountered within a particular view of the role of explanations and typologies. Connectionism provides an alternative model that does not depend on the articulation of explanations and typologies.

This article begins with an elaboration of models of design as a process. It then introduces and describes a knowledge representation schema for design called design prototypes. This schema supports the initiation and continuation of the act of designing. Design prototypes are shown to provide a suitable framework to distinguish routine, innovative, and creative design.

Of what are minds made? In this provocative and engaging work (Simple Minds, Cambridge, Mass.: The MIT Press, 1989, 266 pages, $25.00, ISBN 0-262-12140-9), Dan Lloyd seeks to provide answers that will bridge the gap between computational and connectionist models of the mind.

I propose a task structure for design by analyzing a general class of methods that I call propose-critique-modify methods. The task structure is constructed by identifying a range of methods for each task. This recursive style of analysis provides a framework in which we can understand a number of particular proposals for design problem solving as specific combinations of tasks, methods, and subtasks. The analysis shows that there is no one ideal method for design, and good design problem solving is a result of recursively selecting methods based on a number of criteria, including knowledge availability.

Models of design processes provide guidance in the development of knowledge-based systems for design. The basis for such models comes from research in design theory and methodology as well as problem solving in AI. Three models are presented: decomposition, case-based reasoning, and transformation. Each model provides a formalism for representing design knowledge and experience in distinct and complementary forms.

This article discusses building a computable design process model, which is a prerequisite for realizing intelligent computer-aided design systems. First, we introduce general design theory, from which a descriptive model of design processes is derived. In this model, the concept of metamodels plays a crucial role in describing the evolutionary nature of design. Second, we show a cognitive design process model obtained by observing design processes using a protocol analysis method. We then discuss a computable model that can explain most parts of the cognitive model and also interpret the descriptive model. In the computable model, a design process is regarded as an iterative logical process realized by abduction, deduction, and circumscription. We implemented a design simulator that can trace design processes in which design specifications and design solutions are gradually revised as the design proceeds.

Design has long been an area of particular interest for AI researchers. Herbert Simon's 1968 Karl Taylor Compton lectures on the sciences of the artificial included substantial material on design. However, only recently have design researchers embraced paradigms from AI and AI researchers chosen design as a domain to study.

Of what are minds made? Internal mental representations? Matter? In this provocative and engaging work (Simple Minds, Cambridge, Mass.: The MIT Press, 1989, 266 pages, $25.00, ISBN 0-262-12140-9), Dan Lloyd seeks to provide answers that will bridge the gap between computational and connectionist models of the mind.