Multimodal optimization design of product forms based on aesthetic evaluation

Abstract

In order to obtain beautiful product form scheme, we propose a multimodal optimisation design method for product form based on quantitative aesthetic evaluation. A system of aesthetic measures was established for aesthetic characteristics leaning on alignment of aesthetic principles and gestalt principles. Comprehensive evaluations were achieved with the nonlinear principal component analysis (NLPCA) method, which was based on the system characteristics of aesthetic cognition. To simulate the underlying design thinking, the multimodal optimisation design system was realised utilising niche artificial fish-swarm algorithm (NAFSA). The multimodal optimisation system is able to provide a variety of alternative scheme candidates for design decision-making. We demo the efficacy and robustness of this design system with a study of evolutionary design of the front faces of small vehicles.