A Representation of Design Theory and its Application

在设计过程中，随着设计的不同元素的演变，设计师工作的抽象程度和细节程度也会改变。虽然这一观察结果暗示了一种使用等级分解的方法，但在这一领域几乎没有进行过基础研究。这项工作将建立在Stiny和Atkin这两位在设计层次和设计表现领域工作的研究人员的工作基础上，通过开发一个将层次与表现相结合的设计过程模型。在这个系统中，设计将作为代数上的模式进行评估。此外，还将研究向设计者显示数据的最佳方法问题。在实用层面上，模型和理论将在织物屋面设计系统上进行检验。

During the process of design, the level of abstraction and the level of detail at which a designer works change as different elements of the design evolve. While this observation implies an approach using hierarchical decomposition, little basic research has been performed in this area. This effort will build on the work of Stiny and Atkin, two researchers who have worked in the area of design hierarchy and design representation, by developing a model for the design process that integrates the hierarchy with the representation. In this system, designs will be evaluated as patterns over an algebra. In addition, the question of the optimal methods for displaying data to the designer will be studied. On a practical level, the models and theories will be tested on a system for the design of fabric roofs.