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The Integrated DEsign Automation Laboratory (IDEAL) is one of the research laboratories in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University.

The focus of the research work done at IDEAL under the direction of Dr. Wei Chen, is to develop rational design methods based on mathematical optimization techniques and statistical methods for use in complex engineering design and product realization problems. The complexity is considered from various aspects, such as the large number of physical interrelated elements, the complexity and computational cost of design simulations, the heterogeneity of information at different levels of abstraction, the various sources of uncertainties, the multidisciplinary organization with conflicting goals, and the difficulty in understanding the socio-technical interfaces. Click here for detailed descriptions of each research area.