In this paper a specification-based design evaluation method is presen
ted and applied to optimization using genetic algorithms. The evaluati
on model is intended to emulate how specifications are used by product
designers in a concurrent design environment. The approach allows des
igners to formulate optimization problems in terms of design specifica
tions. The method is intended for a wide variety of design application
s, including the location of feasible designs or starting points for o
ther mathematical programming techniques. The model is demonstrated th
rough a computer implementation that uses a genetic optimization and s
earch algorithm. The penalty-based objective formulation strives for d
esigns which are acceptable according to specifications. Copyright (C)
1996 Elsevier Science Ltd