Title: Evidence for using Interactive Genetic Algorithms in shape preference assessment

Authors: Jarod C. Kelly, Gregory H. Wakefield, Panos Y. Papalambros

Addresses: School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan, 3012 Dana, 440 Church St., Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. ' Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan, 3637 CSE, 2260 Hayward St., Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 3200 EECS c/o 2250 G.G. Brown, 2350 Hayward Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

Abstract: Preferences for subjective design qualities, such as shape, are difficult to capture and relate to engineering specifications. The present paper uses Interactive Evolutionary Systems (IES) to locate a human user|s most preferred cola bottle shape among a set of parameterised bottle shapes. Several researchers have used IES to identify user preference, but have never independently confirmed that preference. In the present paper, participants used the IGA to select their favourite design from a small design space. The method of paired comparisons was used to characterise preference over the entire design space, showing a 91% agreement with IGA most preferred selections.

Keywords: interactive evolutionary systems; interactive genetic algorithms; shape preference; design preference; product development; cola bottle shapes; user preferences; product design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPD.2011.038870

International Journal of Product Development, 2011 Vol.13 No.2, pp.168 - 184

Received: 24 Sep 2009
Accepted: 27 Jul 2010
Published online: 27 Feb 2015 *

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