An `AI in Design' View of Design
Methodology

Contexts

Is any contextual information used to guide the design process?

e.g., local contexts, domain contexts, etc.

Discussion. Contexts determine the interpretation of the available information and the area in which the system looks for solutions [Nayak 1992]. Some contexts will affect only the values of the parameters of a component (e.g., absence of friction), but some other contexts will change the functionality associated with a component (e.g., considering a wire electrically versus mechanically). The same parameter can be evaluated in different ways depending on whether this is done in the context of the product durability, aesthetics, or cost [Grecu & Brown 1996].

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