Capturing Mathematical and Human Perceptions of Shape and Form Through Machine Learning

Classifying shape and form is a core feature of Engineering Design and one that we do this instinctively on a daily basis. Matching similar components to then reduce unique component counts, determining whether a competitors design infringes on copyright and receiving market feedback on product styling are all examples where shape and form comes into play. However, shape and form can be perceived in different ways from purely mathematical (e.g. shape grammars) to wholly subjective (e.g. market feedback) and these perceptions may not entirely agree.

This paper examines the mathematical and human perceptions of shape and form through a study of classifying shapes that have been interpolated between one another, and in doing so, highlights the disparity in perceptions. Following this, the paper demonstrates how the emergent field of Machine Learning can be applied to capture mathematical and human perceptions of shape and form resulting in a means to twin this feedback into product development.