# Grasshopper Algorithmic Modelling: Parametric Design for Product Platform Customisation
## 1 Introduction
In this context, non-programming engineering and design teams can carry out both algorithmic and generative design (Figure 1). Grasshopper (GH) (McNeel Europe, Barcelona, Spain) is a visual parametric programming plug-in for Rhinoceros 3D (RH), used in architecture, engineering and computational design. It facilitates the generation and manipulation of complex geometries using graphical algorithms without the need for textual coding. Its competence in structure algorithmic modelling processes makes it a fundamental tool in structural optimisation, advanced modelling and digital fabrication. Numerous studies have analysed GH in the scientific literature [15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21]. Publications show how these resources are useful for the generation of complex forms, mass customisation, and design automation based on specific parameters [17,22,23]. Furthermore, GH has also been combined with optimisation strategies, including gradient-based methods, multi-objective optimisation [24,25] and metaheuristic algorithms (e.g., genetic algorithm, neural, or swarm networks) [26,27], to reach the best design solutions. Other sectors that have taken advantage of these tools are architecture [28], textile design [29, 30, 31, 32], jewellery design [33,34], and corporate identity [35,36]. However, no results have been found to evaluate the application of this type of resource in the design of product platforms. The novelty of this study lies in the application of algorithmic modelling with Grasshopper to product families and platform-based design. While previous studies have assessed product platforms developed through conventional parametric modelling [37; 38; 39; 40], no publications have identified that apply this approach using Grasshopper. In addition, there is a lack of comparative research addressing platform-based products with different functionalities under a unified methodological framework. This study introduces functional diversity across case studies, enabling broader conclusions that may be applicable to various areas of industrial design. Moreover, the research spans multiple phases of the product design process, including conceptual, embodiment, and detailed design stages [41; 42], supported by the definition of parameters covering geometric, material, functional, ergonomic, and usability aspects. To evaluate the use of GH in the development of product platforms, three case studies were selected. The chosen products (perfume bottles, outdoor furniture, and desk organisers) come from different sectors of industrial design to evaluate the applicability of the methodology in various product typologies. The selected case studies represent the typologies of platforms [10; 11]: (1) a scale-based platform with variation of four variables (colour, dimensions, materials, and rounding), resulting in a family of perfume bottles; (2) a scale-based platform with variation of several variables (dimensions, proportions, colour, rounding, pattern and materials), resulting in a family of outdoor furniture; and (3) a modular design platform with variation of multiple variables (dimensions, proportions, colour, shape, form, rounding, materials, and pattern), resulting in a family of desk organiser. The variables analysed were only those that affected the customisation of the product. The analysis provided insight into the effectiveness of GH to (1) automate the generation of product variants within the platforms, (2) have the flexibility to generate customised and scalable design alternatives to the target user group, and have (3) the efficiency in the product platform design process, in terms of time and technical resource usage.