Design of variable resolution for model selection

•Consider minimum G2G2 aberration criterion and design efficiency.•Provide optimal 16-run designs of variable resolution.•Provide optimal 24-run designs of variable resolution with the overall resolution IV.•Provide nearly optimal 24-run designs of variable resolution.•Empirically show the advantages of designs of variable resolution in model selection.

Designs of variable resolution were introduced for practical situations where interactions arise only within certain factors. Optimal designs of variable resolution based on the minimum G2G2-aberration criterion and design efficiency are provided. A simulation study is carried out to demonstrate the merit of designs of variable resolution in model selection. Some comments are made on the performance of optimal designs of variable resolution in using certain model selection methods.