Computational design consists of applying computational approaches to design problems. Typical examples might be a dynamic user interface to the stock market, an interactive visualization of DNA sequences or the use of genetic algorithms to analyze stress loads in a bridge. It can also mean giving new qualities to existing media, such as adding simulations of friction and gravity to a Flash interface. Or it can simply mean using generative strategies for the creation of visuals.

The essence of computational design is to understand digital media as a collection of processes working on each other, as opposed to static media objects. Unlike other media, digital media have no inherent qualities given by a physical material. Instead, they are limited by qualities simulated by software, such as the 2.5-dimensional interface of window-based interfaces. By creating new software or extending existing ones, a computational designer can redefine the medium her work exists in.

Instead of creating a static animation, a computational designer creates a dynamic system with algorithmic rules dictating its behavior. Such a system can be self-adaptive, interactive, animated and produce a multitude of results not directly anticipated by its designer.

References

A good reference for computational design is John Maeda’s Aesthetics + Computation Group (ACG) at MIT Media Lab. The ACG was arguably the first group to seriously explore this approach to design, and has produced many important contributors to the field.

Other reference include:
- Ben Fry's information visualizations
- Daniel Shiffman course syllabus for his Introduction to computational media at ITP.
- The excellent Dataisnature blog