Automating design with intelligent human-machine integration

This paper reviews the state-of-the-art methodologies for automating design with intelligent human-machine integration from the perspectives of ontology and epistemology. The human-machine integrated automating design paradigm is reviewed systematically based on a proposed prototype of human-machine integrated design, from the aspects of ontology-based knowledge management with local-to-global ontology transitions, and epistemology-based upward-spiral cognitive process of coupled design ideation. Particularly, imaginal thinking frame is proposed as the foundation of intelligent human-machine interaction that puts human and machine on an equal platform. Further, this paper presents implementations and applications of the automating design paradigm and concludes with the identification of future trend.