An Empirical Study on the Use of Generative Design on Product Design

Abstract

Background Generative design is attracting attention as it can solve a design goal by adding the designer's sense and sensibility to the objective result generated based on the design goal, and as an alternative to the convergence process that can receive help in generating the structure and modeling by the algorithm. However, despite the interest of many designers in generative design, there are no precise guidelines on how to conceive, develop, and express generative product design, which causes many difficulties in utilizing generative design. Therefore, this study finds out how to utilize generative design through a product design development project. Methods First, as a research method,the study conducted prior research on modeling, exploration, and ideas for product design development and derived implications related to product design and modeling ideas. Second, study examined the modeling and structural application examples of products and parts using generative design and investigated methods that can be utilized in product design. Third, carried out a product design development project using generative design for students majoring in product (industrial) design and junior designers and analyzed the use and process of generative design. Fourth, through an interview with the participating designers, the study derived the generative design method of plan and possibility in Product design process. Results The study showed the possibility of using an objective result that meets the generative design goals and the applicability in product design with creative and new modeling that goes beyond human imagination. However, several attempts were conducted to extract the design and structure intended by the designer, and it was sometimes difficult to derive a meaningful product shape while developing the design without understanding the principle, thus suggesting the necessity of a guideline. Conclusions Although the existing product designs were developed based on image research or a designer's sensibility or sense, they were meaningful as product designs based on generative design, which derives a formative and structure differentiated from the existing ones through various options and adds the sensibility of the designer. It is expected that guidelines presented in the future on how to apply options of generative design, using the basic functions of products, will be effectively used in generative product design.