Generative Design- The Future of Making Things!

What is generative design?

Generative design mimics nature and uses computer algorithms to create multiple designs. First of all, you have to come up with the design. Then, designers or engineers load parameters such as materials, manufacturing methods, and costs into software. When you load all the data, the software explores all the possible modifications. It tests all the possibilities. And creates the best possible generative design alternatives.

What is mind blowing here is that there is no single solution. Instead, there are thousands of ingenious solutions. You just have to choose the design that best fits your needs.

Generative design benefits

In a nutshell, it saves time, money, boosts creativity, it makes boring designs new and exciting. As oppose to a human who can create one idea for a period of time,  a computer can generate thousands, along with the data to demonstrate which designs function best. Generative design lets you create perfect shapes. Some of these forms are impossible to make with traditional manufacturing methods. Instead, we use new manufacturing methods. When you set goals and parameters, the software will create high-performing design options based on data provided. It resolves incompatible design constraints so you can focus on innovating.

It is possible to use it in every life aspect

For example, think about the evolution of the athletic shoe. The 17th-century shoes were thin leather or hard wooden soles sorry thing. The first rubber soles were invented in 1876, and the first arch supports and non-slip technology were created at the turn of the century. Contemporary athletic shoes of today look nothing like shoes even 50 years ago. The way most traditional design works is that you start with one design, then experiment with numerous improvements until you have the new design you want.

Back to those athletic shoes

The Under Armour Architech shoe was created using Autodesk generative design software. Designers included the exact levels of cushioning and stability they wanted in the shoe’s midsole, and the computer delivered a bunch of unique designs according to those specifications. The result was a futuristic-looking shoe with a 3D-printed, lattice-structured sole, no experimentation required.