Computer-based design synthesis : an approach to problem solving

The primary goal of this thesis is to devise strategies in order to improve the effectiveness of designers working in a computer assisted environment. A secondary goal is to transfer strategies so developed from a research-oriented environment to an academic, teaching-oriented environment. Therefore, this thesis is presented as five self-contained units to facilitate independent study. This work could not have been accomplished but for the expert guidance and motivation offered by many people. In particular, I wish to thank the following persons: I express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Farrokh Mistree, my thesis advisor, and his wife Dr. Janet Allen but for whose encouragement and support, intellectual and moral, this thesis would have never seen the light of day. My sincere thanks are due to Dr. Roger Eichhorn who took time to read through patiently every line of this thesis and offer very valuable advice on improving its quality. Dr. Douglas Muster's philosophical and intellectual pointers in the earlier portion of this thesis helped place the work in an appropriate context and draw attention to the essential components of the design strategies presented. My thanks are due to the committee members of my defense for taking time to read and appreciate my efforts. The effort put in by Harshavardhan Karandikar in offering helpful suggestions for improvements in Unit 4 of this thesis is very much appreciated. The constant support and camaraderie of the design group (Prawit Ittimakin, Azim Jivan, Jon Shupe and Marsha Shupe) has been a source of inspiration throughout the writing of this thesis.