Generative Design

Generative design is an AI-driven design process in which software automatically generates and evaluates multiple geometry options for a component based on specified constraints—materials, manufacturing methods, loads, and cost targets—enabling engineers to explore a design space that manual iteration could not reach.

Why it matters

Generative design allows engineers to explore thousands of design possibilities simultaneously, optimizing for weight, cost, or manufacturability in hours rather than weeks. For manufacturing organizations, this accelerates time-to-market and reduces development costs while improving product performance and sustainability.

Cite this definition

Finocchiaro, Michael. “Generative Design.” DemystifyingPLM PLM Glossary, 2026, https://www.demystifyingplm.com/glossary/generative-design