Embedding computer-based critics in the contexts of design

Computational critic mechanisms provide an effective form of computer-human interaction supporting the process of design. Computational critics embedded in domain-oriented design environments can take advantage of knowledge representations in these environments to provide less intrusive, more relevant critiques. Three classes of embedded critics have been studied. Generic critics use domain knowledge to detect problematic situations in the design construction. Specific critics take advantage of additional knowledge in the partial specification to detect inconsistencies between the design construction and the design specification. Interpretive critics are tied to a perspective mechanism that supports designers in examining their artifact from different· viewpoints.