In the game, as in design processes, the challenge is posing questions that eliminate the greatest number of possible choices. The University of Michigan. Currently, research into applying set-based technologies to engineering design is divided into two thrusts. One proposes a set-based mindset for design process management. Intuitively, set-based approaches to product development have several advantages to conventional, iterative design processes.
Recent work provides evidence that commercial success is correlated with set-based thinking.
The second thrust pursues set-based mathematical tools. This work combines elements of predicate logic, artificial intelligence, and computer science into tools for making engineering calculations about sets of designs under sets of operating conditions, etc. The aim of this research is to provide tools supporting the automation of set-based engineering design processes. Together, these research efforts will provide tools and processes for set-based product development. This would seem to be an effective approach except that if one picks the wrong starting point, subsequent iterations to refine that solution can be very time consuming and lead to a suboptimal design.