Modeling Design Process

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.