Intelligent Agents in Design

In this paper we argue that learning or adaptation ability should be included in the basic set of features characterizing an intelligent agent in design. We propose a collection of attributes describing agents, which are grouped into several categories. Next, we present the results of a detailed study of all agents for design, which were discussed during the First International Workshop on Agents in Design at MIT in August of 2002. A statistical analysis of their attributes has been conducted and its results are reported to suggest future evolution of agents in design. Finally, we briefly overview the topic of Directed Evolution and use its paradigms to predict further development of agents in design. The paper also provides our initial conclusions and suggests further research.