Matching computational strategies to task complexity and user requirements

It is postulated that the level of complexity of a design system should be matched to the complexity of the task being undertaken. Also, because when users incorporate results obtained from software in a design, they accept responsibility for the results, they need to be able to check that the answers are correct. This can be a difficult process with complex software. Furthermore as the amount of available software increases, engineers will need systems which can be used intuitively without the need for training. The development of a preliminary design system is described which attempts to meet the restrictions implied by the above criteria. The paper shows how by developing a system in conjunction with practising designers, the development process can be steered towards providing a solution which is relatively simple and easy to use and which enables the designers to mobilise their expertise while providing them with a tool which enhances their ability to search for good solutions.