Limits to the mechanization of the detailing step paradigm

Abstract

In this paper it is argued that complete formalization of design processes is impossible under the assumption of fully deterministic models of such design processes. It is argued that non-determinism is needed to allow the designer to come up with solutions for problems which could not have been derived from the initial assumptions using a deterministic problem solving method. Hence, views on the design process should be based on two principles: (1) the use of a formalism to enable a systematic capture and usage of design knowledge, and (2) the assumption of an underlying `noisy` mechanism.