An intelligent expert systems' approach to layout decision analysis and design under uncertainty

Abstract

This chapter describes an intelligent soft computing based approach to layout decision analysis and design. The solution methodology involves the use of heuristics, metaheuristics, human intuition as well as soft computing tools like artificial neural networks, fuzzy logic, and expert systems. The research framework and prototype contribute to the field of intelligent decision making in layout analysis and design by enabling explicit representation of experts' knowledge, formal modeling of fuzzy user preferences, and swift generation/manipulation of superior layout alternatives to facilitate the cognitive, ergonomic, and economic efficiency of layout designers. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.