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A user-centered approach to evolutionary algorithms and their use in industry

Jakub Vincalek, Sean Walton Orcid Logo, Ben Evans Orcid Logo

Cogent Engineering, Volume: 8, Issue: 1

Swansea University Authors: Jakub Vincalek, Sean Walton Orcid Logo, Ben Evans Orcid Logo

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Abstract

The key contribution of this article to the domain of engineering optimisation is establishing best practices with respect to the development of evolutionary algorithms in the context of design engineering. Despite their various uses, the uptake of evolutionary algorithms in industry remains limited...

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Published in: Cogent Engineering
ISSN: 2331-1916
Published: Informa UK Limited 2021
Online Access: Check full text

URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa58027
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Abstract: The key contribution of this article to the domain of engineering optimisation is establishing best practices with respect to the development of evolutionary algorithms in the context of design engineering. Despite their various uses, the uptake of evolutionary algorithms in industry remains limited. In order to understand why uptake is low a survey of engineers was undertaken, the results of which are presented here. A total of 23 participants (N = 23) took part in the 3-section mixed methodssurvey. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted on the open-ended questions. A common thread throughout participants responses is that there is a question of trust towards evolutionary algorithms within industry. Perhaps surprising is that the key to gaining this trust is not producing good results, but creating algorithms which explain the process they take in reaching a result. Based on this, recommendations have been made to increase their use in industry.
Keywords: reflexive thematic analysis; human in the loop; optimisation algorithms; design optimisation
College: Faculty of Science and Engineering
Funders: EPSRC CDT in Enhancing Human Interactions and Collaborations with Data and Intelligence Driven Systems
Issue: 1