
2 A Framework for Design Problem Solving
2.1 What is the Design Problem?
In this chapter we look at design as an information processing task: i.e., we specify
what kinds of input and output characterize the task abstractly. This can then form the
basis for investigating what kinds of knowledge and inference processes can help
solve what parts of the task. We will avoid talking in terms of particular methods of
representation of knowledge, say, rules or frames, but concentrate instead on what
needs to be represented, and what types of inferences are needed. Once the nature
of the subtasks in design becomes clear, then the question of how to