The development of shape transformation tool used in computer-based jewelry design system

This paper proposes a computational mechanism for an automatic shape generation tool, which is to be used to support designers in exploring design concepts, and as a source of inspiration. Shape transformations in the sketching process of jewelry design were studied to identify how designers transform shape from one state to another. The transformations of curved outlines in a logical manner are explained through shape grammar and shape rules. The results of this study were used to develop a mechanism that systematically generates alternative shapes based on a finite set of shape rules defined within a shape grammar. Examples of design families generated by the proposed mechanism are included in the paper.