ABSTRACT
The automated engineering design environment has evolved as a consequence of the evolution of impressive gains in available computer power. However, implementation strategies for accessing this power are based upon the computerization of existing practices. It is suggested here that a new type of engineering discipline should be defined to truly exploit the available computer capability. This new approach is based upon a unified algebraic structure for design definition and design evaluation. The conceptual basis for this analytical model is presented in the form of a vector valued design effectiveness functional. Associated implementation issues are discussed.
