Evolution of design intuition and synthesis using simulation enriched qualitative cognitive models

Abstract

Design of engineering systems requires understanding of physical behavior. Previously, design intuition was considered to be developed based on actual experience. However, use of simulations to understand physical behavior is now widespread, and can play a role in developing design intuition rapidly. It can be said that design intuition is essentially a cognitive model in a qualitative form and is descriptive. Research indicates that these cognitive models have a structure, are decomposable and runnable and combine with memories in the mind. In this paper, it is argued simulations help the evolution of the cognitive models, using a predict, test and validate (PTV) approach aided by visualization and imagery. Using case studies, it is seen that while some naïve intuitive models are consistent with physical laws, in other cases, the faulty models are replaced with models that have basis in physical laws when using the PTV approach. Thus, simulations appear to enrich cognitive models of physical behavior, aid design synthesis within a design space. It is seen that simulation enriched design intuition evolves rapidly and can be used effectively in training.