Evaluating usability of generative design process for human-centered design

Generative design tools extend solution spaces for designers, however there is likely a limit to the usefulness of a broad set of design outputs from a human factors perspective. This study evaluates generative design tool output from the human factors perspective. A usability study was performed with 28 participants, where participants evaluated design solutions in Autodesk Fusion 360 and then answered survey questions about their perception of the output the tool provided. Participants were asked to evaluate the design solution quality, design solution quantity, breadth of the solution envelope, and efficiency of design filters. Analysis of survey data indicated that although generative design has useful applications within the systems engineering life cycle, there is a need to enhance existing toolsets for parsing generative design solutions (e.g. design filters, limited design space, etc.). The development of parsing elements would reduce human cognitive workload for the designer, thereby optimizing the generative design process.