Title: Design optimisation for customers' KANSEI requirement: application of interactive reduct evolutional computation to industrial design with curves

Authors: Hideyoshi Yanagisawa, Shuichi Fukuda

Addresses: Department of Engineering Synthesis, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan. ' School of Intelligent Systems, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Technology, 6-6, Asahigaoka, Hino, Tokyo 191-0065, Japan

Abstract: We developed a design methodology for evolving on user|s personal preference using Interactive Reduct Evolutional Computation (IREC). In this method, a user interacts with a computer system with IREC, which generates design samples. A user evaluates and scores each sample depending on his/her psychological preferences. The system estimates the design attributes that the user pays more attention to (preferred features) with reduct in rough set theory and generates new design samples. This interaction is continued until the sample converges to a satisfactory design. The objective of the IREC-based interactive design system is to help customers to externalise their implicit KANSEI (image of product or psychological feeling) into shape. To demonstrate its usefulness, it is applied to an automobile sideboard shape design. 3D computer model of automobile body is generated by the output of IREC. IREC is enhanced to support global feature as design attributes. Since IREC-based design system is applied in early stage of design global feature such as convexity and softness are important. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated by the experiments carried out by non-designers. Commonality of preferred features among subjects is discussed with records of IREC|s operation.

Keywords: kansei; aesthetic design; interactive evolutionary computation; rough set theory; design process; requirements acquisition; customer implicit requirements; individual tailored design; design optimisation; industrial design; curves; user preferences; personal preferences; design attributes; interactive design; automobile industry; automotive sideboard; shape design; vehicle design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2007.012155

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2007 Vol.10 No.4, pp.360 - 379

Published online: 25 Jan 2007 *

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