Title: Multimodal optimisation design of product forms based on aesthetic evaluation

Authors: Aimin Zhou; Jinyan Ouyang; Jianning Su; Shutao Zhang; Shutian Yan

Addresses: School of Mechanical and Electronical Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, 287 Langongping Road, Qilihe District, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730050, China ' School of Design Art, Lanzhou University of Technology, 287 Langongping Road, Qilihe District, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730050, China ' School of Design Art, Lanzhou University of Technology, 287 Langongping Road, Qilihe District, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730050, China ' School of Design Art, Lanzhou University of Technology, 287 Langongping Road, Qilihe District, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730050, China ' School of Mechanical and Electronical Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, 287 Langongping Road, Qilihe District, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730050, China

Abstract: In order to obtain beautiful product form scheme, we propose a multimodal optimisation design method for product form based on quantitative aesthetic evaluation. A system of aesthetic measures was established for aesthetic characteristics leaning on alignment of aesthetic principles and gestalt principles. Comprehensive evaluations were achieved with the nonlinear principal component analysis (NLPCA) method, which was based on the system characteristics of aesthetic cognition. To simulate the underlying design thinking, the multimodal optimisation design system was realised utilising niche artificial fish-swarm algorithm (NAFSA). The multimodal optimisation system is able to provide a variety of alternative scheme candidates for design decision-making. We demo the efficacy and robustness of this design system with a study of evolutionary design of the front faces of small vehicles.

Keywords: product form; design thinking; NAFSA; multimodal optimisation design; aesthetic measure.

DOI: 10.1504/IJART.2020.108635

International Journal of Arts and Technology, 2020 Vol.12 No.2, pp.128 - 154

Received: 10 Apr 2019
Accepted: 18 Nov 2019

Published online: 21 Jul 2020 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article