Treed Gaussian Process Regression for Solving Offline Data-Driven Continuous Multiobjective Optimization Problems

Abstract For offline data-driven multiobjective optimization problems (MOPs), no new data is available during the optimization process. Approximation models (or surrogates) are first built using the provided offline data and an optimizer, e.g. a multiobjective evolutionary algorithm, can then be utilized to find Pareto optimal solutions to the problem with surrogates as objective functions. In contrast to online data-driven MOPs, these surrogates cannot be updated with new data and, hence, the approximation accuracy cannot be improved by considering new data during the optimization process. Gaussian process regression (GPR) models are widely used as surrogates because of their ability to pr…

An Interactive Framework for Offline Data-Driven Multiobjective Optimization

We propose a framework for solving offline data-driven multiobjective optimization problems in an interactive manner. No new data becomes available when solving offline problems. We fit surrogate models to the data to enable optimization, which introduces uncertainty. The framework incorporates preference information from a decision maker in two aspects to direct the solution process. Firstly, the decision maker can guide the optimization by providing preferences for objectives. Secondly, the framework features a novel technique for the decision maker to also express preferences related to maximum acceptable uncertainty in the solutions as preferred ranges of uncertainty. In this way, the d…

Interactive MCDM Support System in the Internet

NIMBUS is an interactive multiobjective optimization system. Among other things, it is capable of solving complicated real-world applications involving nondifferentiable and nonconvex functions. We describe an implementation of NIMBUS operating in the Internet, where the World- Wide Web (WWW) provides a graphical user interface. Different kind of visualizations of alternatives produced are available for aiding in the solution process.

Wastewater treatment plant design and operation under multiple conflicting objective functions

Wastewater treatment plant design and operation involve multiple objective functions, which are often in conflict with each other. Traditional optimization tools convert all objective functions to a single objective optimization problem (usually minimization of a total cost function by using weights for the objective functions), hiding the interdependencies between different objective functions. We present an interactive approach that is able to handle multiple objective functions simultaneously. As an illustration of our approach, we consider a case study of plant-wide operational optimization where we apply an interactive optimization tool. In this tool, a commercial wastewater treatment …

Artificial Decision Maker Driven by PSO : An Approach for Testing Reference Point Based Interactive Methods

Over the years, many interactive multiobjective optimization methods based on a reference point have been proposed. With a reference point, the decision maker indicates desirable objective function values to iteratively direct the solution process. However, when analyzing the performance of these methods, a critical issue is how to systematically involve decision makers. A recent approach to this problem is to replace a decision maker with an artificial one to be able to systematically evaluate and compare reference point based interactive methods in controlled experiments. In this study, a new artificial decision maker is proposed, which reuses the dynamics of particle swarm optimization f…

ANOVA-MOP: ANOVA Decomposition for Multiobjective Optimization

Real-world optimization problems may involve a number of computationally expensive functions with a large number of input variables. Metamodel-based optimization methods can reduce the computational costs of evaluating expensive functions, but this does not reduce the dimension of the search domain nor mitigate the curse of dimensionality effects. The dimension of the search domain can be reduced by functional anova decomposition involving Sobol' sensitivity indices. This approach allows one to rank decision variables according to their impact on the objective function values. On the basis of the sparsity of effects principle, typically only a small number of decision variables significantl…

LR-NIMBUS : an interactive algorithm for uncertain multiobjective optimization with lightly robust efficient solutions

In this paper, we develop an interactive algorithm to support a decision maker to find a most preferred lightly robust efficient solution when solving uncertain multiobjective optimization problems. It extends the interactive NIMBUS method. The main idea underlying the designed algorithm, called LR-NIMBUS, is to ask the decision maker for a most acceptable (typical) scenario, find an efficient solution for this scenario satisfying the decision maker, and then apply the derived efficient solution to generate a lightly robust efficient solution. The preferences of the decision maker are incorporated through classifying the objective functions. A lightly robust efficient solution is generated …

Reference point approach for multiple decision makers

We consider multiple criteria decision-making problems where a group of decision-makers wants to find the most preferred solution from a discrete set of alternatives. We develop a method that uses achievement functions for charting subsets of reference points that would support a certain alternative to be the most preferred one. The resulting descriptive information is provided to the decision-makers in the form of reference acceptability indices and central reference points for each decision alternative. Then, the decision-makers can compare this information with their own preferences. We demonstrate the use of the method using a strategic multiple criteria decision model for an electricit…

NIMBUS — Interactive Method for Nondifferentiable Multiobjective Optimization Problems

An interactive method, NIMBUS, for nondifferentiable multiobjective optimization problems is introduced. We assume that every objective function is to be minimized The idea of NIMBUS is that the decision maker can easily indicate what kind of improvements are desired and what kind of impairments are tolerable at the point considered.

DESMILS : a decision support approach for multi-item lot sizing using interactive multiobjective optimization

AbstractWe propose a decision support approach, called DESMILS, to solve multi-item lot sizing problems with a large number of items by using single-item multiobjective lot sizing models. This approach for making lot sizing decisions considers multiple conflicting objective functions and incorporates a decision maker’s preferences to find the most preferred Pareto optimal solutions. DESMILS applies clustering, and items in one cluster are treated utilizing preferences that the decision maker has provided for a representative item of the cluster. Thus, the decision maker provides preferences to solve the single-item lot sizing problem for few items only and not for every item. The lot sizes …

A Visualizable Test Problem Generator for Many-Objective Optimization

Visualizing the search behavior of a series of points or populations in their native domain is critical in understanding biases and attractors in an optimization process. Distancebased many-objective optimization test problems have been developed to facilitate visualization of search behavior in a two-dimensional design space with arbitrarily many objective functions. Previous works have proposed a few commonly seen problem characteristics into this problem framework, such as the definition of disconnected Pareto sets and dominance resistant regions of the design space. The authors’ previous work has advanced this research further by providing a problem generator to automatically create use…

Agent assisted interactive algorithm for computationally demanding multiobjective optimization problems

Abstract We generalize the applicability of interactive methods for solving computationally demanding, that is, time-consuming, multiobjective optimization problems. For this purpose we propose a new agent assisted interactive algorithm. It employs a computationally inexpensive surrogate problem and four different agents that intelligently update the surrogate based on the preferences specified by a decision maker. In this way, we decrease the waiting times imposed on the decision maker during the interactive solution process and at the same time decrease the amount of preference information expected from the decision maker. The agent assisted algorithm is not specific to any interactive me…

Treating Ordinal Criteria in Stochastic Weight Space Analysis

We consider discrete co-operative group decision-making problems and suggest a method that is aimed at providing descriptive information about the acceptability of different decision alternatives. The method is a new variant of the Stochastic Multicriteria Acceptability Analysis (SMAA) method for discrete multicriteria decision-making problems with multiple decision makers. The new method is designed for problems where criterion information is completely or partially ordinal, that is, experts (or decision makers) have ranked the alternatives criterion-wise. The approach is particularly suitable for group decision making where either no or only partial preference information is available ass…

Interactive Method NIMBUS for Nondifferentiable Multiobjective Optimization Problems

An interactive method, NIMBUS, for nondifferentiable multiobjective optimization problems is introduced. The method is capable of handling several nonconvex locally Lipschitzian objective functions subject to nonlinear (possibly nondifferentiable) constraints. The idea of NIMBUS is that the decision maker can easily indicate what kind of improvements are desired and what kind of impairments are tolerable at the point considered. The decision maker is asked to classify the objective functions into five different classes: those to be improved, those to be improved down to some aspiration level, those to be accepted as they are, those to be impaired till some upper bound, and those allowed to …

A Feature Rich Distance-Based Many-Objective Visualisable Test Problem Generator

In optimiser analysis and design it is informative to visualise how a search point/population moves through the design space over time. Visualisable distance-based many-objective optimisation problems have been developed whose design space is in two-dimensions with arbitrarily many objective dimensions. Previous work has shown how disconnected Pareto sets may be formed, how problems can be projected to and from arbitrarily many design dimensions, and how dominance resistant regions of design space may be defined. Most recently, a test suite has been proposed using distances to lines rather than points. However, active use of visualisable problems has been limited. This may be because the ty…

Towards explainable interactive multiobjective optimization : R-XIMO

AbstractIn interactive multiobjective optimization methods, the preferences of a decision maker are incorporated in a solution process to find solutions of interest for problems with multiple conflicting objectives. Since multiple solutions exist for these problems with various trade-offs, preferences are crucial to identify the best solution(s). However, it is not necessarily clear to the decision maker how the preferences lead to particular solutions and, by introducing explanations to interactive multiobjective optimization methods, we promote a novel paradigm of explainable interactive multiobjective optimization. As a proof of concept, we introduce a new method, R-XIMO, which provides …

On Constraint Handling in Surrogate-Assisted Evolutionary Many-Objective Optimization

Surrogate-assisted evolutionary multiobjective optimization algorithms are often used to solve computationally expensive problems. But their efficacy on handling constrained optimization problems having more than three objectives has not been widely studied. Particularly the issue of how feasible and infeasible solutions are handled in generating a data set for training a surrogate has not received much attention. In this paper, we use a recently proposed Kriging-assisted evolutionary algorithm for many-objective optimization and investigate the effect of infeasible solutions on the performance of the surrogates. We assume that constraint functions are computationally inexpensive and consid…

Automatic surrogate modelling technique selection based on features of optimization problems

A typical scenario when solving industrial single or multiobjective optimization problems is that no explicit formulation of the problem is available. Instead, a dataset containing vectors of decision variables together with their objective function value(s) is given and a surrogate model (or metamodel) is build from the data and used for optimization and decision-making. This data-driven optimization process strongly depends on the ability of the surrogate model to predict the objective value of decision variables not present in the original dataset. Therefore, the choice of surrogate modelling technique is crucial. While many surrogate modelling techniques have been discussed in the liter…

Potential of interactive multiobjective optimization in supporting the design of a groundwater biodenitrification process

The design of water treatment plants requires simultaneous analysis of technical, economic and environmental aspects, identified by multiple conflicting objectives. We demonstrated the advantages of an interactive multiobjective optimization (MOO) method over a posteriori methods in an unexplored field, namely the design of a biological treatment plant for drinking water production, that tackles the process drawbacks, contrarily to what happens in a traditional volumetric-load-driven design procedure. Specifically, we consider a groundwater denitrification biofilter, simulated by the Activated Sludge Model modified with two-stage denitrification kinetics. Three objectives were defined (nitr…

Experiments with classification-based scalarizing functions in interactive multiobjective optimization

In multiobjective optimization methods, the multiple conflicting objectives are typically converted into a single objective optimization problem with the help of scalarizing functions and such functions may be constructed in many ways. We compare both theoretically and numerically the performance of three classification-based scalarizing functions and pay attention to how well they obey the classification information. In particular, we devote special interest to the differences the scalarizing functions have in the computational cost of guaranteeing Pareto optimality. It turns out that scalarizing functions with or without so-called augmentation terms have significant differences in this re…

Interactive Multiobjective Robust Optimization with NIMBUS

In this paper, we introduce the MuRO-NIMBUS method for solving multiobjective optimization problems with uncertain parameters. The concept of set-based minmax robust Pareto optimality is utilized to tackle the uncertainty in the problems. We separate the solution process into two stages: the pre-decision making stage and the decision making stage. We consider the decision maker’s preferences in the nominal case, i.e., with the most typical or undisturbed values of the uncertain parameters. At the same time, the decision maker is informed about the objective function values in the worst case to support her/him to make an informed decision. To help the decision maker to understand the behavio…

Multiobjective optimization of an ultrasonic transducer using NIMBUS

The optimal design of an ultrasonic transducer is a multiobjective optimization problem since the final outcome needs to satisfy several conflicting criteria. Simulation tools are often used to avoid expensive and time-consuming experiments, but even simulations may be inefficient and lead to inadequate results if they are based only on trial and error. In this work, the interactive multiobjective optimization method NIMBUS is applied in designing a high-power ultrasonic transducer. The performance of the transducer is simulated with a finite element model, and three design goals are formulated as objective functions to be minimized. To find an appropriate compromise solution, additional pr…

A Systematic Way of Structuring Real-World Multiobjective Optimization Problems

In recent decades, the benefits of applying multiobjective optimization (MOO) methods in real-world applications have rapidly increased. The MOO literature mostly focuses on problem-solving, typically assuming the problem has already been correctly formulated. The necessity of verifying the MOO problem and the potential impacts of having an incorrect problem formulation on the optimization results are not emphasized enough in the literature. However, verification is crucial since the optimization results will not be meaningful without an accurate problem formulation, not to mention the resources spent in the optimization process being wasted. In this paper, we focus on the MOO problem struc…

Tangent and Normal Cones in Nonconvex Multiobjective Optimization

Trade-off information is important in multiobjective optimization. It describes the relationships of changes in objective function values. For example, in interactive methods we need information about the local behavior of solutions when looking for improved search directions.

Survey of methods to visualize alternatives in multiple criteria decision making problems

When solving decision problems where multiple conflicting criteria are to be considered simultaneously, decision makers must compare several different alternatives and select the most preferred one. The task of comparing multidimensional vectors is very demanding for the decision maker without any support. Different graphical visualization tools can be used to support and help the decision maker in understanding similarities and differences between the alternatives and graphical illustration is a very important part of decision support systems that are used in solving multiple criteria decision making problems. The visualization task is by no means trivial because, on the one hand, the grap…

Bilevel heat exchanger network synthesis with an interactive multi-objective optimization method

Abstract Heat exchanger network synthesis (HENS) has been an active research area for more than 40 years because well-designed heat exchanger networks enable heat recovery in process industries in an energy- and cost-efficient manner. Due to ever increasing global competition and need to decrease the harmful effects done on the environment, there still is a continuous need to improve the heat exchanger networks and their synthesizing methods. In this work we present a HENS method that combines an interactive multi-objective optimization method with a simultaneous bilevel HENS method, where the bilevel part of the method is based on grouping of process streams and building aggregate streams …

Surrogate-assisted evolutionary biobjective optimization for objectives with non-uniform latencies

We consider multiobjective optimization problems where objective functions have different (or heterogeneous) evaluation times or latencies. This is of great relevance for (computationally) expensive multiobjective optimization as there is no reason to assume that all objective functions should take an equal amount of time to be evaluated (particularly when objectives are evaluated separately). To cope with such problems, we propose a variation of the Kriging-assisted reference vector guided evolutionary algorithm (K-RVEA) called heterogeneous K-RVEA (short HK-RVEA). This algorithm is a merger of two main concepts designed to account for different latencies: A single-objective evolutionary a…

NAUTILUS Navigator : free search interactive multiobjective optimization without trading-off

We propose a novel combination of an interactive multiobjective navigation method and a trade-off free way of asking and presenting preference information. The NAUTILUS Navigator is a method that enables the decision maker (DM) to navigate in real time from an inferior solution to the most preferred solution by gaining in all objectives simultaneously as (s)he approaches the Pareto optimal front. This means that, while the DM reaches her/his most preferred solution, (s)he avoids anchoring around the starting solution and, at the same time, sees how the ranges of the reachable objective function values shrink without trading-off. The progress of the motion towards the Pareto optimal front is…

A Preference-Based Evolutionary Algorithm for Multi-Objective Optimization

In this paper, we discuss the idea of incorporating preference information into evolutionary multi-objective optimization and propose a preference-based evolutionary approach that can be used as an integral part of an interactive algorithm. One algorithm is proposed in the paper. At each iteration, the decision maker is asked to give preference information in terms of his or her reference point consisting of desirable aspiration levels for objective functions. The information is used in an evolutionary algorithm to generate a new population by combining the fitness function and an achievement scalarizing function. In multi-objective optimization, achievement scalarizing functions are widel…

NAUTILUS method: An interactive technique in multiobjective optimization based on the nadir point

Most interactive methods developed for solving multiobjective optimization problems sequentially generate Pareto optimal or nondominated vectors and the decision maker must always allow impairment in at least one objective function to get a new solution. The NAUTILUS method proposed is based on the assumptions that past experiences affect decision makers’ hopes and that people do not react symmetrically to gains and losses. Therefore, some decision makers may prefer to start from the worst possible objective values and to improve every objective step by step according to their preferences. In NAUTILUS, starting from the nadir point, a solution is obtained at each iteration which dominates t…

A Simple Indicator Based Evolutionary Algorithm for Set-Based Minmax Robustness

For multiobjective optimization problems with uncertain parameters in the objective functions, different variants of minmax robustness concepts have been defined in the literature. The idea of minmax robustness is to optimize in the worst case such that the solutions have the best objective function values even when the worst case happens. However, the computation of the minmax robust Pareto optimal solutions remains challenging. This paper proposes a simple indicator based evolutionary algorithm for robustness (SIBEA-R) to address this challenge by computing a set of non-dominated set-based minmax robust solutions. In SIBEA-R, we consider the set of objective function values in the worst c…

A survey on handling computationally expensive multiobjective optimization problems with evolutionary algorithms

Evolutionary algorithms are widely used for solving multiobjective optimization problems but are often criticized because of a large number of function evaluations needed. Approximations, especially function approximations, also referred to as surrogates or metamodels are commonly used in the literature to reduce the computation time. This paper presents a survey of 45 different recent algorithms proposed in the literature between 2008 and 2016 to handle computationally expensive multiobjective optimization problems. Several algorithms are discussed based on what kind of an approximation such as problem, function or fitness approximation they use. Most emphasis is given to function approxim…

An Interactive Evolutionary Multiobjective Optimization Method: Interactive WASF-GA

In this paper, we describe an interactive evolutionary algorithm called Interactive WASF-GA to solve multiobjective optimization problems. This algorithm is based on a preference-based evolutionary multiobjective optimization algorithm called WASF-GA. In Interactive WASF-GA, a decision maker (DM) provides preference information at each iteration simple as a reference point consisting of desirable objective function values and the number of solutions to be compared. Using this information, the desired number of solutions are generated to represent the region of interest of the Pareto optimal front associated to the reference point given. Interactive WASF-GA implies a much lower computational…

IRA-EMO : Interactive Method Using Reservation and Aspiration Levels for Evolutionary Multiobjective Optimization

We propose a new interactive evolutionary multiobjective optimization method, IRA-EMO. At each iteration, the decision maker (DM) expresses her/his preferences as an interesting interval for objective function values. The DM also specifies the number of representative Pareto optimal solutions in these intervals referred to as regions of interest one wants to study. Finally, a real-life engineering three-objective optimization problem is used to demonstrate how IRA-EMO works in practice for finding the most preferred solution. peerReviewed

Data-Based Forest Management with Uncertainties and Multiple Objectives

In this paper, we present an approach of employing multiobjective optimization to support decision making in forest management planning. The planning is based on data representing so-called stands, each consisting of homogeneous parts of the forest, and simulations of how the trees grow in the stands under different treatment options. Forest planning concerns future decisions to be made that include uncertainty. We employ as objective functions both the expected values of incomes and biodiversity as well as the value at risk for both of these objectives. In addition, we minimize the risk level for both the income value and the biodiversity value. There is a tradeoff between the expected val…

Genetic programming through bi-objective genetic algorithms with a study of a simulated moving bed process involving multiple objectives

A new bi-objective genetic programming (BioGP) technique has been developed for meta-modeling and applied in a chromatographic separation process using a simulated moving bed (SMB) process. The BioGP technique initially minimizes training error through a single objective optimization procedure and then a trade-off between complexity and accuracy is worked out through a genetic algorithm based bi-objective optimization strategy. A benefit of the BioGP approach is that an expert user or a decision maker (DM) can flexibly select the mathematical operations involved to construct a meta-model of desired complexity or accuracy. It is also designed to combat bloat - a perennial problem in genetic …

Surrogate-assisted evolutionary multiobjective shape optimization of an air intake ventilation system

We tackle three different challenges in solving a real-world industrial problem: formulating the optimization problem, connecting different simulation tools and dealing with computationally expensive objective functions. The problem to be optimized is an air intake ventilation system of a tractor and consists of three computationally expensive objective functions. We describe the modeling of the system and its numerical evaluation with a commercial software. To obtain solutions in few function evaluations, a recently proposed surrogate-assisted evolutionary algorithm K-RVEA is applied. The diameters of four different outlets of the ventilation system are considered as decision variables. Fr…

Constructing a Pareto front approximation for decision making

An approach to constructing a Pareto front approximation to computationally expensive multiobjective optimization problems is developed. The approximation is constructed as a sub-complex of a Delaunay triangulation of a finite set of Pareto optimal outcomes to the problem. The approach is based on the concept of inherent nondominance. Rules for checking the inherent nondominance of complexes are developed and applying the rules is demonstrated with examples. The quality of the approximation is quantified with error estimates. Due to its properties, the Pareto front approximation works as a surrogate to the original problem for decision making with interactive methods. Qc 20120127

Comparing reference point based interactive multiobjective optimization methods without a human decision maker

AbstractInteractive multiobjective optimization methods have proven promising in solving optimization problems with conflicting objectives since they iteratively incorporate preference information of a decision maker in the search for the most preferred solution. To find the appropriate interactive method for various needs involves analysis of the strengths and weaknesses. However, extensive analysis with human decision makers may be too costly and for that reason, we propose an artificial decision maker to compare a class of popular interactive multiobjective optimization methods, i.e., reference point based methods. Without involving any human decision makers, the artificial decision make…

A Computationally Inexpensive Approach in Multiobjective Heat Exchanger Network Synthesis

We consider a heat exchanger network synthesis problem formulated as a multiobjective optimization problem. The Pareto front of this problem is approximated with a new approximation approach and the preferred point on the approximation is found with the interactive multiobjective optimization method NIMBUS. Using the approximation makes the solution process computationally inexpensive. Finally, the preferred outcome on the Pareto front approximation is projected on the actual Pareto front. peerReviewed

Interactive multiobjective optimization system NIMBUS applied to nonsmooth structural design problems

We shortly describe an interactive method, called NIMBUS, for multiobjective optimization involving nondifferentiable and nonconvex functions. We illustrate the functioning of NIMBUS by numerical examples in the area of structural design. We consider a beam with varying thickness and our aim is to find a thickness distribution in such a way that the resulting structure is as good as possible.

APROS-NIMBUS: Dynamic Process Simulator and Interactive Multiobjective Optimization in Plant Automation

Abstract Virtual commissioning of chemical plants often involves a dynamic simulator and an optimization method. This paper demonstrates the integration of APROS, a dynamic process simulator and IND-NIMBUS, an interactive multiobjective optimization software. We implement a multiobjective concentration control problem in APROS involving conflicting objectives and employ a decision maker to interact with IND-NIMBUS and express his preference information to finally obtain his most preferred solution. The results of this study show that APROS and IND-NIMBUS can be integrated and an interactive multiobjective optimization method can help the decision maker in exploring trade-offs among conflict…

On Constraint Handling in Surrogate-Assisted Evolutionary Many-Objective Optimization

Surrogate-assisted evolutionary multiobjective optimization algorithms are often used to solve computationally expensive problems. But their efficacy on handling constrained optimization problems having more than three objectives has not been widely studied. Particularly the issue of how feasible and infeasible solutions are handled in generating a data set for training a surrogate has not received much attention. In this paper, we use a recently proposed Kriging-assisted evolutionary algorithm for many-objective optimization and investigate the effect of infeasible solutions on the performance of the surrogates. We assume that constraint functions are computationally inexpensive and consid…

An Approach to the Automatic Comparison of Reference Point-Based Interactive Methods for Multiobjective Optimization

Solving multiobjective optimization problems means finding the best balance among multiple conflicting objectives. This needs preference information from a decision maker who is a domain expert. In interactive methods, the decision maker takes part in an iterative process to learn about the interdependencies and can adjust the preferences. We address the need to compare different interactive multiobjective optimization methods, which is essential when selecting the most suited method for solving a particular problem. We concentrate on a class of interactive methods where a decision maker expresses preference information as reference points, i.e., desirable objective function values. Compari…

Flexible Data Driven Inventory Management with Interactive Multiobjective Lot Size Optimization

We study data-driven decision support and formalise a path from data to decision making. We focus on lot sizing in inventory management with stochastic demand and propose an interactive multi-objective optimisation approach. We forecast demand with a Bayesian model, which is based on sales data. After identifying relevant objectives relying on the demand model, we formulate an optimisation problem to determine lot sizes for multiple future time periods. Our approach combines different interactive multi-objective optimisation methods for finding the best balance among the objectives. For that, a decision maker with substance knowledge directs the solution process with one’s preference inform…

Towards Automatic Testing of Reference Point Based Interactive Methods

In order to understand strengths and weaknesses of optimization algorithms, it is important to have access to different types of test problems, well defined performance indicators and analysis tools. Such tools are widely available for testing evolutionary multiobjective optimization algorithms. To our knowledge, there do not exist tools for analyzing the performance of interactive multiobjective optimization methods based on the reference point approach to communicating preference information. The main barrier to such tools is the involvement of human decision makers into interactive solution processes, which makes the performance of interactive methods dependent on the performance of huma…

Interview: Kalyanmoy Deb Talks about Formation, Development and Challenges of the EMO Community, Important Positions in His Career, and Issues Faced Getting His Works Published

Kalyanmoy Deb was born in Udaipur, Tripura, the smallest state of India at the time, in 1963 [...]

Designing Paper Machine Headbox Using GA

Abstract A non-smooth biobjective optimization problem for designing the shape of a slice channel in a paper machine headbox is described. The conflicting goals defining the optimization problem are the ones determining important quality properties of produced paper: 1) basis weight should be even and 2) the wood fibers of paper should mainly be oriented to the machine direction across the width of the whole paper machine. The novelty of the considered approach is that maximum deviations are used instead of least squares when objective functions are formed. For the solution of this problem, a multiobjective genetic algorithm based on nondominated sorting is considered. The numerical results…

A New Hybrid Mutation Operator for Multiobjective Optimization with Differential Evolution

Differential evolution has become one of the most widely used evolution- ary algorithms in multiobjective optimization. Its linear mutation operator is a sim- ple and powerful mechanism to generate trial vectors. However, the performance of the mutation operator can be improved by including a nonlinear part. In this pa- per, we propose a new hybrid mutation operator consisting of a polynomial based operator with nonlinear curve tracking capabilities and the differential evolution’s original mutation operator, to be efficiently able to handle various interdependencies between decision variables. The resulting hybrid operator is straightforward to implement and can be used within most evoluti…

DESDEO : An Open Framework for Interactive Multiobjective Optimization

We introduce a framework for interactive multiobjective optimization methods called DESDEO released under an open source license. With the framework, we want to make interactive methods easily accessible to be applied in solving real-world problems. The framework follows an object-oriented software design paradigm, where functionalities have been divided to modular, self-contained components. The framework contains implementations of some interactive methods, but also components which can be utilized to implement more interactive methods and, thus, increase the applicability of the framework. To demonstrate how the framework can be used, we consider an example problem where the pollution of…

Interactivized : Visual Interaction for Better Decisions with Interactive Multiobjective Optimization

In today’s data-driven world, decision makers are facing many conflicting objectives. Since there is usually no solution that optimizes all objectives simultaneously, the aim is to identify a solution with acceptable trade-offs. Interactive multiobjective optimization methods are iterative processes in which a human decision maker repeatedly provides one’s preferences to request computing new solutions and compares them. With these methods, the decision maker can learn about the problem and its limitations. However, advanced optimization software usually offer simple visualization tools that can be significantly improved. On the other hand, current approaches for multiobjective optimization…

Multi-criteria optimization in industry

Comparative evaluation of some interactive reference point-based methods for multi-objective optimisation

Many real-world optimisation applications include several conflicting objectives of possibly nondifferentiable character. However, the lack of computationally efficient, interactive methods for nondifferentiable multi-objective optimisation problems is apparent. To satisfy this demand, a method called NIMBUS has been developed. Two versions of the basic method are presented and compared both theoretically and computationally. In order to give variety to the comparison, a related approach, called reference direction method is included. Theoretically, the methods differ in handling the information requested from the user. Numerical experiments indicate differences in computational efficiency …

A Posteriori Methods

A posteriori methods could also be called methods for generating Pareto optimal solutions. After the Pareto optimal set (or a part of it) has been generated, it is presented to the decision maker, who selects the most preferred among the alternatives. The inconveniences here are that the generation process is usually computationally expensive and sometimes in part, at least, difficult. On the other hand, it is hard for the decision maker to select from a large set of alternatives. One more important question is how to present or display the alternatives to the decision maker in an effective way. The working order in these methods is: 1) analyst, 2) decision maker.

Probabilistic Selection Approaches in Decomposition-based Evolutionary Algorithms for Offline Data-Driven Multiobjective Optimization

In offline data-driven multiobjective optimization, no new data is available during the optimization process. Approximation models, also known as surrogates, are built using the provided offline data. A multiobjective evolutionary algorithm can be utilized to find solutions by using these surrogates. The accuracy of the approximated solutions depends on the surrogates and approximations typically involve uncertainties. In this paper, we propose probabilistic selection approaches that utilize the uncertainty information of the Kriging models (as surrogates) to improve the solution process in offline data-driven multiobjective optimization. These approaches are designed for decomposition-base…

Decision-aid for discrete multiple criteria decision making problems with imprecise data

Abstract We describe ways of aiding decision making with a discrete set of alternatives. In many decision situations, it is not possible to obtain explicit preference information from the decision makers. Instead, useful decision-aid can be provided to the decision makers by describing what kind of weighting of the criteria result in certain choices of the alternatives. The suggested treatment is based on the basic ideas of the ELECTRE III method. The modelling of the preferences by pseudo-criteria is especially helpful in case the data, that is, the criterion values are imprecise. Unlike ELECTRE III, no ranking of the alternatives is produced. Based on a minimum-procedure in the exploitati…

Integrating risk management tools for regional forest planning : an interactive multiobjective value at risk approach

In this paper, we present an approach employing multiobjective optimization to support decision making in forest management planning under risk. The primary objectives are biodiversity and timber cash flow, evaluated from two perspectives: the expected value and the value-at-risk (VaR). In addition, the risk level for both the timber cash flow and biodiversity values are included as objectives. With our approach, we highlight the trade-off between the expected value and the VaR, as well as between the VaRs of the two objectives of interest. We employ an interactive method in which a decision maker iteratively provides preference information to find the most preferred management plan and lea…

Verbal ordinal classification with multicriteria decision aiding

Abstract Professionals in neuropsychology usually perform diagnoses of patients’ behaviour in a verbal rather than in a numerical form. This fact generates interest in decision support systems that process verbal data. It also motivates us to develop methods for the classification of such data. In this paper, we describe ways of aiding classification of a discrete set of objects, evaluated on set of criteria that may have verbal estimations, into ordered decision classes. In some situations, there is no explicit additional information available, while in others it is possible to order the criteria lexicographically. We consider both of these cases. The proposed Dichotomic Classification (DC…

Determining the implementation order of a general plan by using a multicriteria method

We describe a real-life application of a new multicriteria method in the context of assisting the decision-making for a general plan in the municipality of Kirkkonummi in Uusimaa, Finland. At the time our group started working on the problem, a proposal for an overall plan had already been completed, but the order in which different regional parts of the plan should be implemented needed to be considered based on the environmental impact assessment (EIA) procedure. The EIA procedure generated a large amount of data about the different impacts of the alternatives. For this group decision making problem we developed the SMAA-3 decision support method which does not require any explicit prefer…

Local search based evolutionary multi-objective optimization algorithm for constrained and unconstrained problems

Evolutionary multi-objective optimization algorithms are commonly used to obtain a set of non-dominated solutions for over a decade. Recently, a lot of emphasis have been laid on hybridizing evolutionary algorithms with MCDM and mathematical programming algorithms to yield a computationally efficient and convergent procedure. In this paper, we test an augmented local search based EMO procedure rigorously on a test suite of constrained and unconstrained multi-objective optimization problems. The success of our approach on most of the test problems not only provides confidence but also stresses the importance of hybrid evolutionary algorithms in solving multi-objective optimization problems.

Synchronous approach in interactive multiobjective optimization

We introduce a new approach in the methodology development for interactive multiobjective optimization. The presentation is given in the context of the interactive NIMBUS method, where the solution process is based on the classification of objective functions. The idea is to formulate several scalarizing functions, all using the same preference information of the decision maker. Thus, opposed to fixing one scalarizing function (as is done in most methods), we utilize several scalarizing functions in a synchronous way. This means that we as method developers do not make the choice between different scalarizing functions but calculate the results of different scalarizing functions and leave t…

Integration of lot sizing and safety strategy placement using interactive multiobjective optimization

We address challenges of unpredicted demand and propose a multiobjective optimization model to integrate a lot sizing problem with safety strategy placement and optimize conflicting objectives simultaneously. The novel model is devoted to a single-item multi-period problem in periodic review policy. As a safety strategy, we use the traditional safety stock concept and a novel concept of safety order time, which uses a time period to determine the additional stock to handle demand uncertainty. The proposed model has four objective functions: purchasing and ordering cost, holding cost, cycle service level and inventory turnover. We bridge the gap between theory and a real industrial problem a…

On the Use of Preferential Weights in Interactive Reference Point Based Methods

We introduce a new way of utilizing preference information specified by the decision maker in interactive reference point based methods. A reference point consists of aspiration levels for each objective function. We take the desires of the decision maker into account more closely when projecting the reference point to become nondominated. In this way we can support the decision maker in finding the most satisfactory solutions faster. In practice, we adjust the weights in the achievement scalarizing function that projects the reference point. We demonstrate our idea with an example and we summarize results of computational tests that support the efficiency of the idea proposed.

PAINT : Pareto front interpolation for nonlinear multiobjective optimization

A method called PAINT is introduced for computationally expensive multiobjective optimization problems. The method interpolates between a given set of Pareto optimal outcomes. The interpolation provided by the PAINT method implies a mixed integer linear surrogate problem for the original problem which can be optimized with any interactive method to make decisions concerning the original problem. When the scalarizations of the interactive method used do not introduce nonlinearity to the problem (which is true e.g., for the synchronous NIMBUS method), the scalarizations of the surrogate problem can be optimized with available mixed integer linear solvers. Thus, the use of the interactive meth…

Interactive Multiobjective Optimization of Superstructure SMB Processes

We consider multiobjective optimization problems arising from superstructure formulation of Simulated Moving Bed (SMB) processes. SMBs are widely used in many industrial separations of chemical products and they are challenging from the optimization point of view. We employ efficient interactive multiobjec-tive optimization which enables considering several conflicting objectives simultaneously without unnecessary simplifications as have been done in previous studies. The interactive IND-NIMBUS software combined with the IPOPT optimizer is used to solve multiobjective SMB design problems. The promising results of solving a superstructure SMB optimization problem with four objectives demonst…

A New Paradigm in Interactive Evolutionary Multiobjective Optimization

Over the years, scalarization functions have been used to solve multiobjective optimization problems by converting them to one or more single objective optimization problem(s). This study proposes a novel idea of solving multiobjective optimization problems in an interactive manner by using multiple scalarization functions to map vectors in the objective space to a new, so-called preference incorporated space (PIS). In this way, the original problem is converted into a new multiobjective optimization problem with typically fewer objectives in the PIS. This mapping enables a modular incorporation of decision maker’s preferences to convert any evolutionary algorithm to an interactive one, whe…

Quantifying and resolving conservation conflicts in forest landscapes via multiobjective optimization

Environmental planning for of the maintenance of different conservation objectives should take into account multiple contrasting criteria based on alternative uses of the landscape. We develop new concepts and approaches to describe and measure conflicts among conservation objectives and for resolving them via multiobjective optimization. To measure conflicts we introduce a compatibility index that quantifies how much targeting a certain conservation objective affects the capacity of the landscape for providing another objective. To resolve such conflicts we find compromise solutions defined in terms of minimax regret, i.e. minimizing the maximum percentage of deterioration among conservati…

Interactive Multiobjective Optimization in Lot Sizing with Safety Stock and Safety Lead Time

In this paper, we integrate a lot sizing problem with the problem of determining optimal values of safety stock and safety lead time. We propose a probability of product availability formula to assess the quality of safety lead time and a multiobjective optimization model as an integrated lot sizing problem. In the proposed model, we optimize six objectives simultaneously: minimizing purchasing cost, ordering cost, holding cost and, at the same time, maximizing cycle service level, probability of product availability and inventory turnover. To present the applicability of the proposed model, we consider a real case study with data from a manufacturing company and apply the interactive NAUTI…

Interactive decision support and trade-off analysis for sustainable forest landscape planning under deep uncertainty

Sustainable environmental management often involves long-term time horizons and multiple conflicting objectives and, by nature, is affected by different sources of uncertainty. Many sources of uncertainty, such as climate change or government policies, cannot be addressed using probabilistic models, and, therefore, they can be seen to contain deep uncertainty. In this setting, the variety of possible future states is represented as a set of scenarios lacking any information about the likelihood of occurring. Integrating deep uncertainty into multiobjective decision support increases complexity, calling for the elaboration of appropriate methods and tools. This paper proposes a novel intera…

An interactive multi-objective approach to heat exchanger network synthesis

In this work we present a multi-objective approach to heat exchanger network synthesis. The approach solves a modified version of the Synheat model using an interactive multi-objective optimisation method, NIMBUS, which is implemented in GAMS. The results obtained demonstrate the potential of interactive multi-objective optimisation.

Simultaneous optimization of harvest schedule and data quality

In many recent studies, the value of forest inventory information in harvest scheduling has been examined. In a previous paper, we demonstrated that making measurement decisions for stands for which the harvest decision is uncertain simultaneously with the harvest decisions may be highly profitable. In that study, the quality of additional measurements was not a decision variable, and the only options were between making no measurements or measuring perfect information. In this study, we introduce data quality into the decision problem, i.e., the decisionmaker can select between making imperfect or perfect measurements. The imperfect information is obtained with a specific scenario tree fo…

Projections onto the Pareto surface in multicriteria radiation therapy optimization

Purpose: To eliminate or reduce the error to Pareto optimality that arises in Pareto surface navigation when the Pareto surface is approximated by a small number of plans. Methods: The authors propose to project the navigated plan onto the Pareto surface as a postprocessing step to the navigation. The projection attempts to find a Pareto optimal plan that is at least as good as or better than the initial navigated plan with respect to all objective functions. An augmented form of projection is also suggested where dose–volume histogram constraints are used to prevent that the projection causes a violation of some clinical goal. The projections were evaluated with respect to planning for int…

Optimistic NAUTILUS navigator for multiobjective optimization with costly function evaluations

AbstractWe introduce novel concepts to solve multiobjective optimization problems involving (computationally) expensive function evaluations and propose a new interactive method called O-NAUTILUS. It combines ideas of trade-off free search and navigation (where a decision maker sees changes in objective function values in real time) and extends the NAUTILUS Navigator method to surrogate-assisted optimization. Importantly, it utilizes uncertainty quantification from surrogate models like Kriging or properties like Lipschitz continuity to approximate a so-called optimistic Pareto optimal set. This enables the decision maker to search in unexplored parts of the Pareto optimal set and requires …

A Multiple Surrogate Assisted Decomposition Based Evolutionary Algorithm for Expensive Multi/Many-Objective Optimization

Many-objective optimization problems (MaOPs) contain four or more conflicting objectives to be optimized. A number of efficient decomposition-based evolutionary algorithms have been developed in the recent years to solve them. However, computationally expensive MaOPs have been scarcely investigated. Typically, surrogate-assisted methods have been used in the literature to tackle computationally expensive problems, but such studies have largely focused on problems with 1–3 objectives. In this paper, we present an approach called hybrid surrogate-assisted many-objective evolutionary algorithm to solve computationally expensive MaOPs. The key features of the approach include: 1) the use of mul…

Exact extension of the DIRECT algorithm to multiple objectives

The direct algorithm has been recognized as an efficient global optimization method which has few requirements of regularity and has proven to be globally convergent in general cases. direct has been an inspiration or has been used as a component for many multiobjective optimization algorithms. We propose an exact and as genuine as possible extension of the direct method for multiple objectives, providing a proof of global convergence (i.e., a guarantee that in an infinite time the algorithm becomes everywhere dense). We test the efficiency of the algorithm on a nonlinear and nonconvex vector function. peerReviewed

Decision making in multiobjective optimization problems under uncertainty: balancing between robustness and quality

As an emerging research field, multiobjective robust optimization employs minmax robustness as the most commonly used concept. Light robustness is a concept in which a parameter, tolerable degradations, can be used to control the loss in the objective function values in the most typical scenario for gaining in robustness. In this paper, we develop a lightly robust interactive multiobjective optimization method, LiRoMo, to support a decision maker to find a most preferred lightly robust efficient solution with a good balance between robustness and the objective function values in the most typical scenario. In LiRoMo, we formulate a lightly robust subproblem utilizing an achievement scalarizi…

Some Methods for Nonlinear Multi-objective Optimization

A general overview of nonlinear multiobjective optimization methods is given. The basic features of several methods are introduced so that an appropriate method could be found for different purposes. The methods are classified according to the role of a decision maker in the solution process. The main emphasis is devoted to interactive methods where the decision maker progressively provides preference information so that the most satisfactory solution can be found.

Coupling dynamic simulation and interactive multiobjective optimization for complex problems: An APROS-NIMBUS case study

Dynamic process simulators for plant-wide process simulation and multiobjective optimization tools can be used by industries as a means to cut costs and enhance profitability. Specifically, dynamic process simulators are useful in the process plant design phase, as they provide several benefits such as savings in time and costs. On the other hand, multiobjective optimization tools are useful in obtaining the best possible process designs when multiple conflicting objectives are to be optimized simultaneously. Here we concentrate on interactive multiobjective optimization. When multiobjective optimization methods are used in process design, they need an access to dynamic process simulators, …

Comparing interactive evolutionary multiobjective optimization methods with an artificial decision maker

AbstractSolving multiobjective optimization problems with interactive methods enables a decision maker with domain expertise to direct the search for the most preferred trade-offs with preference information and learn about the problem. There are different interactive methods, and it is important to compare them and find the best-suited one for solving the problem in question. Comparisons with real decision makers are expensive, and artificial decision makers (ADMs) have been proposed to simulate humans in basic testing before involving real decision makers. Existing ADMs only consider one type of preference information. In this paper, we propose ADM-II, which is tailored to assess several …

Best compromise solution for a new multiobjective scheduling problem

In future wireless networks, a mobile terminal will be able to communicate with a service provider using several network connections. These connections to networks will have different properties and they will be priced separately. In order to minimize the total communication time and the total transmission costs, an automatic method for selecting the network connections is needed. Here, we describe the network connection selection problem and formulate it mathematically. We discuss solving the problem and analyse different multiobjective optimization approaches for it.

Using box indices in supporting comparison in multiobjective optimization

Because of the conflicting nature of criteria or objectives, solving a multiobjective optimization problem typically requires interaction with a decision maker who can specify preference information related to the objectives in the problem in question. Due to the difficulties of dealing with multiple objectives, the way information is presented plays a very important role. Questions posed to the decision maker must be simple enough and information shown must be easy to understand. For this purpose, visualization and graphical representations can be useful and constitute one of the main tools used in the literature. In this paper, we propose to use box indices to represent information relate…

Interactive Nonlinear Multiobjective Optimization Methods

An overview of interactive methods for solving nonlinear multiobjective optimization problems is given. In interactive methods, the decision maker progressively provides preference information so that the most satisfactory Pareto optimal solution can be found for her or his. The basic features of several methods are introduced and some theoretical results are provided. In addition, references to modifications and applications as well as to other methods are indicated. As the role of the decision maker is very important in interactive methods, methods presented are classified according to the type of preference information that the decision maker is assumed to provide. peerReviewed

A Surrogate-assisted Reference Vector Guided Evolutionary Algorithm for Computationally Expensive Many-objective Optimization

We propose a surrogate-assisted reference vector guided evolutionary algorithm for computationally expensive optimization problems with more than three objectives. The proposed algorithm is based on a recently developed evolutionary algorithm for many-objective optimization that relies on a set of adaptive reference vectors for selection. The proposed surrogateassisted evolutionary algorithm uses Kriging to approximate each objective function to reduce the computational cost. In managing the Kriging models, the algorithm focuses on the balance of diversity and convergence by making use of the uncertainty information in the approximated objective values given by the Kriging models, the distr…

Integrating risk management tools for regional forest planning: an interactive multiobjective value-at-risk approach

In this paper, we present an approach employing multiobjective optimization to support decision making in forest management planning under risk. The primary objectives are biodiversity and timber cash flow, evaluated from two perspectives: the expected value and the value-at-risk (VaR). In addition, the risk level for both the timber cash flow and biodiversity values are included as objectives. With our approach, we highlight the trade-off between the expected value and the VaR, as well as between the VaRs of the two objectives of interest. We employ an interactive method in which a decision maker iteratively provides preference information to find the most preferred management plan and le…

Desirable properties of performance indicators for assessing interactive evolutionary multiobjective optimization methods

Interactive methods support decision makers in finding the most preferred solution in multiobjective optimization problems. They iteratively incorporate the decision maker's preference information to find the best balance among conflicting objectives. Several interactive methods have been developed in the literature. However, choosing the most suitable interactive method for a given problem can prove challenging and appropriate indicators are needed to compare interactive methods. Some indicators exist for a priori methods, where preferences are provided at the beginning of the solution process. We present some numerical experiments that illustrate why these indicators are not suitable for …

A survey on handling computationally expensive multiobjective optimization problems using surrogates: non-nature inspired methods

Computationally expensive multiobjective optimization problems arise, e.g. in many engineering applications, where several conflicting objectives are to be optimized simultaneously while satisfying constraints. In many cases, the lack of explicit mathematical formulas of the objectives and constraints may necessitate conducting computationally expensive and time-consuming experiments and/or simulations. As another challenge, these problems may have either convex or nonconvex or even disconnected Pareto frontier consisting of Pareto optimal solutions. Because of the existence of many such solutions, typically, a decision maker is required to select the most preferred one. In order to deal wi…

A solution process for simulation-based multiobjective design optimization with an application in the paper industry

In this paper, we address some computational challenges arising in complex simulation-based design optimization problems. High computational cost, black-box formulation and stochasticity are some of the challenges related to optimization of design problems involving the simulation of complex mathematical models. Solving becomes even more challenging in case of multiple conflicting objectives that must be optimized simultaneously. In such cases, application of multiobjective optimization methods is necessary in order to gain an understanding of which design offers the best possible trade-off. We apply a three-stage solution process to meet the challenges mentioned above. As our case study, w…

Decision Making on Pareto Front Approximations with Inherent Nondominance

t Approximating the Pareto fronts of nonlinear multiobjective optimization problems is considered and a property called inherent nondominance is proposed for such approximations. It is shown that an approximation having the above property can be explored by interactively solving a multiobjective optimization problem related to it. This exploration can be performed with available interactive multiobjective optimization methods. The ideas presented are especially useful in solving computationally expensive multiobjective optimization problems with costly function value evaluations. peerReviewed

Incorporating preference information in interactive reference point methods for multiobjective optimization

In this paper, we introduce new ways of utilizing preference information specified by the decision maker in interactive reference point based methods. A reference point consists of desirable values for each objective function. The idea is to take the desires of the decision maker into account more closely when projecting the reference point onto the set of nondominated solutions. In this way we can support the decision maker in finding the most satisfactory solutions faster. In practice, we adjust the weights in the achievement scalarizing function that projects the reference point. We identify different cases depending on the amount of additional information available and demonstrate the c…

Spatially dynamic forest management to sustain biodiversity and economic returns.

Production of marketed commodities and protection of biodiversity in natural systems often conflict and thus the continuously expanding human needs for more goods and benefits from global ecosystems urgently calls for strategies to resolve this conflict. In this paper, we addressed what is the potential of a forest landscape to simultaneously produce habitats for species and economic returns, and how the conflict between habitat availability and timber production varies among taxa. Secondly, we aimed at revealing an optimal combination of management regimes that maximizes habitat availability for given levels of economic returns. We used multi-objective optimization tools to analyze data fr…

E-NAUTILUS: A decision support system for complex multiobjective optimization problems based on the NAUTILUS method

Interactive multiobjective optimization methods cannot necessarily be easily used when (industrial) multiobjective optimization problems are involved. There are at least two important factors to be considered with any interactive method: computationally expensive functions and aspects of human behavior. In this paper, we propose a method based on the existing NAUTILUS method and call it the Enhanced NAUTILUS (E-NAUTILUS) method. This method borrows the motivation of NAUTILUS along with the human aspects related to avoiding trading-off and anchoring bias and extends its applicability for computationally expensive multiobjective optimization problems. In the E-NAUTILUS method, a set of Pareto…

Interactive multiobjective optimization for anatomy-based three-dimensional HDR brachytherapy.

In this paper, we present an anatomy-based three-dimensional dose optimization approach for HDR brachytherapy using interactive multiobjective optimization (IMOO). In brachytherapy, the goals are to irradiate a tumor without causing damage to healthy tissue. These goals are often conflicting, i.e. when one target is optimized the other will suffer, and the solution is a compromise between them. IMOO is capable of handling multiple and strongly conflicting objectives in a convenient way. With the IMOO approach, a treatment planner’s knowledge is used to direct the optimization process. Thus, the weaknesses of widely used optimization techniques (e.g. defining weights, computational burden an…

Designing empirical experiments to compare interactive multiobjective optimization methods

Interactive multiobjective optimization methods operate iteratively so that a decision maker directs the solution process by providing preference information, and only solutions of interest are generated. These methods limit the amount of information considered in each iteration and support the decision maker in learning about the trade-offs. Many interactive methods have been developed, and they differ in technical aspects and the type of preference information used. Finding the most appropriate method for a problem to be solved is challenging, and supporting the selection is crucial. Published research lacks information on the conducted experiments’ specifics (e.g. questions asked), makin…

An Artificial Decision Maker for Comparing Reference Point Based Interactive Evolutionary Multiobjective Optimization Methods

Comparing interactive evolutionary multiobjective optimization methods is controversial. The main difficulties come from features inherent to interactive solution processes involving real decision makers. The human can be replaced by an artificial decision maker (ADM) to evaluate methods quantitatively. We propose a new ADM to compare reference point based interactive evolutionary methods, where reference points are generated in different ways for the different phases of the solution process. In the learning phase, the ADM explores different parts of the objective space to gain insight about the problem and to identify a region of interest, which is studied more closely in the decision phas…

KaKaRaKe - User-Friendly Visualization for Multiobjective Optimization with High-Dimensional Objective Vectors

No-Preference Methods

In no-preference methods, where the opinions of the decision maker are not taken into consideration, the multiobjective optimization problem is solved using some relatively simple method and the solution obtained is presented to the decision maker. The decision maker may either accept or reject the solution. It seems quite unlikely that the solution best satisfying the decision maker could be found with these methods. That is why no-preference methods are suitable for situations where the decision maker does not have any special expectations of the solution and (s)he is satisfied simply with some optimal solution. The working order here is: 1) analyst, 2) none.

Connections of reference vectors and different types of preference information in interactive multiobjective evolutionary algorithms

We study how different types of preference information coming from a human decision maker can be utilized in an interactive multiobjective evolutionary optimization algorithm (MOEA). The idea is to convert different types of preference information into a unified format which can then be utilized in an interactive MOEA to guide the search towards the most preferred solution(s). The format chosen here is a set of reference vectors which is used within the interactive version of the reference vector guided evolutionary algorithm (RVEA). The proposed interactive RVEA is then applied to the multiple-disk clutch brake design problem with five objectives to demonstrate the potential of the idea in…

Visualizations for Decision Support in Scenario-based Multiobjective Optimization

Reproducibility artifacts for: Babooshka Shavazipour, Manuel López-Ibáñez, and Kaisa Miettinen. Visualizations for Decision Support in Scenario-based Multiobjective Optimization. Information Sciences, 2021. doi:10.1016/j.ins.2021.07.025. Abstract: We address challenges of decision problems when managers need to optimize several conflicting objectives simultaneously under uncertainty. We propose visualization tools to support the solution of such scenario-based multiobjective optimization problems. Suitable graphical visualizations are necessary to support managers in understanding, evaluating, and comparing the performances of management decisions according to all objec…

A two-slope achievement scalarizing function for interactive multiobjective optimization

The use of achievement (scalarizing) functions in interactive multiobjective optimization methods is very popular, as indicated by the large number of algorithmic and applied scientific papers that use this approach. Key parameters in this approach are the reference point, which expresses desirable objective function values for the decision maker, and weights. The role of the weights can range from purely normalizing to fully preferential parameters that indicate the relative importance given by the decision maker to the achievement of each reference value. Technically, the influence of the weights in the solution generated by the achievement scalarizing function is different, depending on …

A new preference handling technique for interactive multiobjective optimization without trading-off

Because the purpose of multiobjective optimization methods is to optimize conflicting objectives simultaneously, they mainly focus on Pareto optimal solutions, where improvement with respect to some objective is only possible by allowing some other objective(s) to impair. Bringing this idea into practice requires the decision maker to think in terms of trading-off, which may limit the ability of effective problem solving. We outline some drawbacks of this and exploit another idea emphasizing the possibility of simultaneous improvement of all objectives. Based on this idea, we propose a technique for handling decision maker’s preferences, which eliminates the necessity to think in terms of t…

HUMAN BEHAVIOR IN A MULTI-CRITERIA CHOICE PROBLEM WITH INDIVIDUAL TASKS OF DIFFERENT DIFFICULTIES

This paper is devoted to a laboratory study of human behavior in a multi-criteria choice problem. The specific feature of the experimental study is the creation of an individually adjusted instance of a general task for each subject in accordance with his/her preferences over each criterion. Human behavior is studied in a specially constructed choice situation based on the decomposition of the alternatives of a multi-criteria problem. The procedure is based on multiple steps of pair-wise comparisons involving only some (two or three) of the original components of the alternatives. Abilities of subjects to use such comparisons and to answer the questions in a logical way are tested. The exp…

Interactive evolutionary multiobjective optimization with modular physical user interface

© 2022 Copyright held by the owner/author(s). Incorporating the preferences of a domain expert, a decision-maker (DM), in solving multiobjective optimization problems increased in popularity in recent years. The DM can choose to use different types of preferences depending on his/her comfort, requirements, or the problem being solved. Most papers, where preference-based and interactive algorithms have been proposed, do not pay attention to the user interfaces and input devices. If they do, they use character or graphics-based preference input methods. We propose the option of using a physical or tactile input device that gives the DM a better sense of control over providing his/her preferen…

Personalization of Multicriteria Decision Support Systems

The Dagstuhl Seminar 18031 Personalization in Multiobjective Optimization: An Analytics Perspective carried on a series of five previous Dagstuhl Seminars (04461, 06501, 09041, 12041 and 15031) that were focused on Multiobjective Optimization. The continuing goal of this series is to strengthen the links between the Evolutionary Multiobjective Optimization (EMO) and the Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) communities, two of the largest communities concerned with multiobjective optimization today. Personalization in Multiobjective Optimization, the topic of this seminar, was motivated by the scientific challenges generated by personalization, mass customization, and mass data, and thus…

Interactive data-driven multiobjective optimization of metallurgical properties of microalloyed steels using the DESDEO framework

Solving real-life data-driven multiobjective optimization problems involves many complicated challenges. These challenges include preprocessing the data, modelling the objective functions, getting a meaningful formulation of the problem, and supporting decision makers to find preferred solutions in the existence of conflicting objective functions. In this paper, we tackle the problem of optimizing the composition of microalloyed steels to get good mechanical properties such as yield strength, percentage elongation, and Charpy energy. We formulate a problem with six objective functions based on data available and support two decision makers in finding a solution that satisfies them both. To …

An Interactive Simple Indicator-Based Evolutionary Algorithm (I-SIBEA) for Multiobjective Optimization Problems

This paper presents a new preference based interactive evolutionary algorithm (I-SIBEA) for solving multiobjective optimization problems using weighted hypervolume. Here the decision maker iteratively provides her/his preference information in the form of identifying preferred and/or non-preferred solutions from a set of nondominated solutions. This preference information provided by the decision maker is used to assign weights of the weighted hypervolume calculation to solutions in subsequent generations. In any generation, the weighted hypervolume is calculated and solutions are selected to the next generation based on their contribution to the weighted hypervolume. The algorithm is compa…

Multi-scenario multi-objective robust optimization under deep uncertainty: A posteriori approach

This paper proposes a novel optimization approach for multi-scenario multi-objective robust decision making, as well as an alternative way for scenario discovery and identifying vulnerable scenarios even before any solution generation. To demonstrate and test the novel approach, we use the classic shallow lake problem. We compare the results obtained with the novel approach to those obtained with previously used approaches. We show that the novel approach guarantees the feasibility and robust efficiency of the produced solutions under all selected scenarios, while decreasing computation cost, addresses the scenario-dependency issues, and enables the decision-makers to explore the trade-off …

Design of a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator using Interactive Multiobjective Optimization

We consider an analytical model of a permanent magnet synchronous generator and formulate a mixed-integer constrained multiobjective optimization problem with six objective functions. We demonstrate the usefulness of solving such a problem by applying an interactive multiobjective optimization method called NIMBUS. In the NIMBUS method, a decision is iteratively involved in the optimization process and directs the solution process in order to find her/his most preferred Pareto optimal solution for the problem. We also employ a commonly used noninteractive evolutionary multiobjective optimization method NSGA-II to generate a set of solutions that approximates the Pareto set and demonstrate t…

An interactive surrogate-based method for computationally expensive multiobjective optimisation

Many disciplines involve computationally expensive multiobjective optimisation problems. Surrogate-based methods are commonly used in the literature to alleviate the computational cost. In this paper, we develop an interactive surrogate-based method called SURROGATE-ASF to solve computationally expensive multiobjective optimisation problems. This method employs preference information of a decision-maker. Numerical results demonstrate that SURROGATE-ASF efficiently provides preferred solutions for a decision-maker. It can handle different types of problems involving for example multimodal objective functions and nonconvex and/or disconnected Pareto frontiers. peerReviewed

Why Use Interactive Multi-Objective Optimization in Chemical Process Design?

Problems in chemical engineering, like most real-world optimization problems, typically, have several conflicting performance criteria or objectives and they often are computationally demanding, which sets special requirements on the optimization methods used. In this chapter, we point out some shortcomings of some widely used basic methods of multi-objective optimization. As an alternative, we suggest using interactive approaches where the role of a decision maker or a designer is emphasized. Interactive multi-objective optimization has been shown to suit well for chemical process design problems because it takes the preferences of the decision maker into account in an iterative manner tha…

NAUTILUS framework : towards trade-off-free interaction in multiobjective optimization

In this paper, we present a framework of different interactive NAUTILUS methods for multiobjective optimization. In interactive methods, the decision maker iteratively sees solution alternatives and provides one’s preferences in order to find the most preferred solution. We question the widely used setting that the solutions shown to the decision maker should all be Pareto optimal which implies that improvement in any objective function necessitates allowing impairment in some others. Instead, in NAUTILUS we enable the decision maker to make a free search without having to trade-off by starting from an inferior solution and iteratively approaching the Pareto optimal set by allowing all obje…

On the Extension of the DIRECT Algorithm to Multiple Objectives

AbstractDeterministic global optimization algorithms like Piyavskii–Shubert, direct, ego and many more, have a recognized standing, for problems with many local optima. Although many single objective optimization algorithms have been extended to multiple objectives, completely deterministic algorithms for nonlinear problems with guarantees of convergence to global Pareto optimality are still missing. For instance, deterministic algorithms usually make use of some form of scalarization, which may lead to incomplete representations of the Pareto optimal set. Thus, all global Pareto optima may not be obtained, especially in nonconvex cases. On the other hand, algorithms attempting to produce r…

Simultaneous optimization of harvest schedule and measurement strategy

In many recent studies, the value of forest inventory information in the harvest scheduling has been examined. Usually only the profitability of measuring simultaneously all the stands in the area is examined. Yet, it may be more profitable to concentrate the measurement efforts to some subset of them. In this paper, the authors demonstrate that stochastic optimization can be used for defining the optimal measurement strategy simultaneously with the harvest decisions. The results show that without end-inventory constraints, it was most profitable to measure the stands that were just below the medium age. Measuring the oldest stands was not profitable at all. It turned out to be profitable t…

A Multiple Surrogate Assisted Decomposition-Based Evolutionary Algorithm for Expensive Multi/Many-Objective Optimization

Many-objective optimization problems (MaOPs) contain four or more conflicting objectives to be optimized. A number of efficient decomposition-based evolutionary algorithms have been developed in the recent years to solve them. However, computationally expensive MaOPs have been scarcely investigated. Typically, surrogate-assisted methods have been used in the literature to tackle computationally expensive problems, but such studies have largely focused on problems with 1–3 objectives. In this paper, we present an approach called hybrid surrogate-assisted many-objective evolutionary algorithm to solve computationally expensive MaOPs. The key features of the approach include: 1) the use of mul…

Interactive multiobjective optimization for finding the most preferred exercise therapy modality in knee osteoarthritis

Abstract Background There are no explicit guidelines or tools available to support clinicians in selecting exercise therapy modalities according to the characteristics of individual patients despite the apparent need. Objective This study develops a methodology based on a novel multiobjective optimization model and examines its feasibility as a decision support tool to support healthcare professionals in comparing different modalities and identifying the most preferred one based on a patient’s needs. Methods Thirty-one exercise therapy modalities were considered from 21 randomized controlled trials. A novel interactive multiobjective optimization model was designed to characterize the effic…

Data-driven Interactive Multiobjective Optimization : Challenges and a Generic Multi-agent Architecture

In many decision making problems, a decision maker needs computer support in finding a good compromise between multiple conflicting objectives that need to be optimized simultaneously. Interactive multiobjective optimization methods have a lot of potential for solving such problems. However, the growth of complexity in problem formulations and the abundance of data bring new challenges to be addressed by decision makers and method developers. On the other hand, advances in the field of artificial intelligence provide opportunities in this respect. We identify challenges and propose directions of addressing them in interactive multiobjective optimization methods with the help of multiple int…

Wastewater treatment: New insight provided by interactive multiobjective optimization

In this paper, we describe a new interactive tool developed for wastewater treatment plant design. The tool is aimed at supporting the designer in designing new wastewater treatment plants as well as optimizing the performance of already available plants. The idea is to utilize interactive multiobjective optimization which enables the designer to consider the design with respect to several conflicting evaluation criteria simultaneously. This is more important than ever because the requirements for wastewater treatment plants are getting tighter and tighter from both environmental and economical reasons. By combining a process simulator to simulate wastewater treatment and an interactive mul…

On interactive multiobjective optimization with NIMBUS® in chemical process design

We study multiobjective optimization problems arising from chemical process simulation. The interactive multiobjective optimization method NIMBUS®, developed at the University of Jyvaskyla, is combined with the BALAS® process simulator, developed at the VTT Technical Research Center of Finland, in order to provide a new interactive tool for designing chemical processes. Continuous interaction between the method and the designer provides a new efficient approach to explore Pareto optimal solutions and helps the designer to learn about the behaviour of the process. As an example of how the new tool can be used, we report the results of applying it in a heat recovery system design problem rela…

Interactive Multiobjective Optimization in Lot Sizing with Safety Stock and Safety Lead Time

In this paper, we integrate a lot sizing problem with the problem of determining optimal values of safety stock and safety lead time. We propose a probability of product availability formula to assess the quality of safety lead time and a multiobjective optimization model as an integrated lot sizing problem. In the proposed model, we optimize six objectives simultaneously: minimizing purchasing cost, ordering cost, holding cost and, at the same time, maximizing cycle service level, probability of product availability and inventory turnover. To present the applicability of the proposed model, we consider a real case study with data from a manufacturing company and apply the interactive NAUTI…

Interactive multiobjective optimization with NIMBUS for decision making under uncertainty

We propose an interactive method for decision making under uncertainty, where uncertainty is related to the lack of understanding about consequences of actions. Such situations are typical, for example, in design problems, where a decision maker has to make a decision about a design at a certain moment of time even though the actual consequences of this decision can be possibly seen only many years later. To overcome the difficulty of predicting future events when no probabilities of events are available, our method utilizes groupings of objectives or scenarios to capture different types of future events. Each scenario is modeled as a multiobjective optimization problem to represent differe…

On Dealing with Uncertainties from Kriging Models in Offline Data-Driven Evolutionary Multiobjective Optimization

Many works on surrogate-assisted evolutionary multiobjective optimization have been devoted to problems where function evaluations are time-consuming (e.g., based on simulations). In many real-life optimization problems, mathematical or simulation models are not always available and, instead, we only have data from experiments, measurements or sensors. In such cases, optimization is to be performed on surrogate models built on the data available. The main challenge there is to fit an accurate surrogate model and to obtain meaningful solutions. We apply Kriging as a surrogate model and utilize corresponding uncertainty information in different ways during the optimization process. We discuss…

Large-scale nonsmooth optimization: new variable metric bundle algorithm with limited memory

Interactive multiobjective optimization system WWW-NIMBUS on the Internet

Abstract NIMBUS is a multiobjective optimization method capable of solving nondifferentiable and nonconvex problems. We describe the NIMBUS algorithm and its implementation WWW-NIMBUS. To our knowledge WWW-NIMBUS is the first interactive multiobjective optimization system on the Internet. The main principles of its implementation are centralized computing and a distributed interface. Typically, the delivery and update of any software is problematic. Limited computer capacity may also be a problem. Via the Internet, there is only one version of the software to be updated and any client computer has the capabilities of a server computer. Further, the World-Wide Web (WWW) provides a graphical …

Multiobjective shape design in a ventilation system with a preference-driven surrogate-assisted evolutionary algorithm

We formulate and solve a real-world shape design optimization problem of an air intake ventilation system in a tractor cabin by using a preference-based surrogate-assisted evolutionary multiobjective optimization algorithm. We are motivated by practical applicability and focus on two main challenges faced by practitioners in industry: 1) meaningful formulation of the optimization problem reflecting the needs of a decision maker and 2) finding a desirable solution based on a decision maker’s preferences when solving a problem with computationally expensive function evaluations. For the first challenge, we describe the procedure of modelling a component in the air intake ventilation system wi…

Efficient evolutionary approach to approximate the Pareto-optimal set in multiobjective optimization, UPS-EMOA

Solving real-life engineering problems requires often multiobjective, global, and efficient (in terms of objective function evaluations) treatment. In this study, we consider problems of this type by discussing some drawbacks of the current methods and then introduce a new population-based multiobjective optimization algorithm UPS-EMOA which produces a dense (not limited to the population size) approximation of the Pareto-optimal set in a computationally effective manner.

Interactive Nonlinear Multiobjective Procedures

An overview of the interactive methods for solving nonlinear multiple criteria decision making problems is given. In interactive methods, the decision maker progressively provides preference information so that the most satisfactory compromise can be found. The basic features of several methods are introduced and some theoretical results are provided. In addition, references to modifications and applications as well as to other methods are indicated.

Implementation aspects of interactive multiobjective optimization for modeling environments: The case of GAMS-NIMBUS

Abstract. Interactive multiobjective optimization methods have provided promising results in the literature but still their implementations are rare. Here we introduce a core structure of interactive methods to enable their convenient implementation. We also demonstrate how this core structure can be applied when implementing an interactive method using a modeling environment. Many modeling environments contain tools for single objective optimization but not for interactive multiobjective optimization. Furthermore, as a concrete example, we present GAMS-NIMBUS Tool which is an implementation of the classification-based NIMBUS method for the GAMS modeling environment. So far, interactive met…

Interactive Nonconvex Pareto Navigator for Multiobjective Optimization

Abstract We introduce a new interactive multiobjective optimization method operating in the objective space called Nonconvex Pareto Navigator . It extends the Pareto Navigator method for nonconvex problems. An approximation of the Pareto optimal front in the objective space is first generated with the PAINT method using a relatively small set of Pareto optimal outcomes that is assumed to be given or computed prior to the interaction with the decision maker. The decision maker can then navigate on the approximation and direct the search for interesting regions in the objective space. In this way, the decision maker can conveniently learn about the interdependencies between the conflicting ob…

Integration of Two Multiobjective Optimization Methods for Nonlinear Problems

In this paper, we bring together two existing methods for solving multiobjective optimization problems described by nonlinear mathematical models and create methods that benefit from both heir strengths. We use the Feasible Goals Method and the NIMBUS method to form new hybrid approaches. The Feasible Goals Method (FGM) is a graphic decision support tool that combines ideas of goal programming and multiobjective methods. It is based on the transformation of numerical information given by mathematical models into a variety of feasible criterion vectors (that is, feasible goals). Visual interactive display of this variety provides information about the problem that helps the decision maker to…

Solving multiobjective optimization problems with decision uncertainty: an interactive approach

We propose an interactive approach to support a decision maker to find a most preferred robust solution to multiobjective optimization problems with decision uncertainty. A new robustness measure that is understandable for the decision maker is incorporated as an additional objective in the problem formulation. The proposed interactive approach utilizes elements of the synchronous NIMBUS method and is aimed at supporting the decision maker to consider the objective function values and the robustness of a solution simultaneously. In the interactive approach, we offer different alternatives for the decision maker to express her/his preferences related to the robustness of a solution. To conso…

A Priori Methods

In the case of a priori methods, the decision maker must specify her or his preferences, hopes and opinions before the solution process. The difficulty is that the decision maker does not necessarily know beforehand what it is possible to attain in the problem and how realistic her or his expectations are. The working order in these methods is: 1) decision maker, 2) analyst.

Agent assisted interactive algorithm for computationally demanding multiobjective optimization problems

We generalize the applicability of interactive methods for solving computationally demanding, that is, time-consuming, multiobjective optimization problems. For this purpose we propose a new agent assisted interactive algorithm. It employs a computationally inexpensive surrogate problem and four different agents that intelligently update the surrogate based on the preferences specified by a decision maker. In this way, we decrease the waiting times imposed on the decision maker during the interactive solution process and at the same time decrease the amount of preference information expected from the decision maker. The agent assisted algorithm is not specific to any interactive method or s…

Managing a boreal forest landscape for providing timber, storing and sequestering carbon

Human well-being highly depends on ecosystem services and this dependence is expected to increase in the future with increasing population and economic growth. Studies that investigate trade-offs between ecosystem services are urgently needed for informing policy-makers. We examine the trade-offs between a provisioning (revenues from timber selling) and regulating (carbon storage and sequestration) ecosystem services among seven alternative forest management regimes in a large boreal forest production landscape. First, we estimate the potential of the landscape to produce harvest revenues and store/sequester carbon across a 50-year time period. Then, we identify conflicts between harvest re…

Surrogate assisted interactive multiobjective optimization in energy system design of buildings

In this paper, we develop a novel evolutionary interactive method called interactive K-RVEA, which is suitable for computationally expensive problems. We use surrogate models to replace the original expensive objective functions to reduce the computation time. Typically, in interactive methods, a decision maker provides some preferences iteratively and the optimization algorithm narrows the search according to those preferences. However, working with surrogate model swill introduce some inaccuracy to the preferences, and therefore, it would be desirable that the decision maker can work with the solutions that are evaluated with the original objective functions. Therefore, we propose a novel…

Decreasing computational cost of simulation based interactive multiobjective optimization with adjustable solution accuracy

Solving real-life engineering problems can be time-consuming and difficult because problems may have multiple conflicting objectives, functions involved highly nonlinear and containing multiple local minima, and function values are often produced via a time-consuming simulation process. Problems of this type can be solved using global multiobjective optimization methods, preferably with interactive approaches, which allow the designer (or decision maker in general) to learn about the behaviour of the problem during the solution process. In an interactive approach the designer specifies preferences and Pareto optimal solution(s) following these preferences are generated, typically by forming…

Assessing the Performance of Interactive Multiobjective Optimization Methods

Interactive methods are useful decision-making tools for multiobjective optimization problems, because they allow a decision-maker to provide her/his preference information iteratively in a comfortable way at the same time as (s)he learns about all different aspects of the problem. A wide variety of interactive methods is nowadays available, and they differ from each other in both technical aspects and type of preference information employed. Therefore, assessing the performance of interactive methods can help users to choose the most appropriate one for a given problem. This is a challenging task, which has been tackled from different perspectives in the published literature. We present a …

Task-based visual analytics for interactive multiobjective optimization

We study how visual interaction techniques considered in visual analytics can be utilized when implementing interactive multiobjective optimization methods, where a decision maker iteratively participates in the solution process. We want to benefit from previous research and avoid re-inventing ideas. Our aim is to widen awareness and increase the applicability of interactive methods for solving real-world problems. As a concrete approach, we introduce seven high-level tasks that are relevant for interactive methods. These high-level tasks are based on low-level tasks proposed in the visual analytics literature. In addition, we give an example on how the high-level tasks can be implemented a…

Connections Between Single-Level and Bilevel Multiobjective Optimization

The relationship between bilevel optimization and multiobjective optimization has been studied by several authors and there have been repeated attempts to establish a link between the two. We unify the results from the literature and generalize them for bilevel multiobjective optimization. We formulate sufficient conditions for an arbitrary binary relation to guarantee equality between the efficient set produced by the relation and the set of optimal solutions to a bilevel problem. In addition, we present specially structured bilevel multiobjective optimization problems motivated by real-life applications and an accompanying binary relation permitting their reduction to single-level multiob…

Data-Driven Evolutionary Optimization: An Overview and Case Studies

Most evolutionary optimization algorithms assume that the evaluation of the objective and constraint functions is straightforward. In solving many real-world optimization problems, however, such objective functions may not exist, instead computationally expensive numerical simulations or costly physical experiments must be performed for fitness evaluations. In more extreme cases, only historical data are available for performing optimization and no new data can be generated during optimization. Solving evolutionary optimization problems driven by data collected in simulations, physical experiments, production processes, or daily life are termed data-driven evolutionary optimization. In this…

Managing a boreal forest landscape for providing timber, storing and sequestering carbon

Human well-being highly depends on ecosystem services and this dependence is expected to increase in the future with increasing population and economic growth. Studies that investigate trade-offs between ecosystem services are urgently needed for informing policy-makers. We examine the trade-offs between a provisioning (revenues from timber selling) and regulating (carbon storage and sequestration) ecosystem services among seven alternative forest management regimes in a large boreal forest production landscape. First, we estimate the potential of the landscape to produce harvest revenues and store/sequester carbon across a 50-year time period. Then, we identify conflicts between harvest re…

Mental contents in interacting with a multiobjective optimization program

User psychology aims at understanding human-machine interaction from a psychological point of view. Its ultimate goal is to provide knowledge about human psychological properties for interaction designers. In this article, we are particularly interested in applying the theoretical concepts of mental contents (i.e., the information contents of users’ mental representations), in studying interaction with professional software. The immediate motivation for adopting such an approach arises from problems met in designing interaction processes in multiobjective optimization software. These types of software are meant to support complex thought and decision-making processes and this is why interac…

Interactive multiobjective optimization for finding the most preferred exercise therapy modality in knee osteoarthritis

There are no explicit guidelines or tools available to support clinicians in selecting exercise therapy modalities according to the characteristics of individual patients despite the apparent need. This study develops a methodology based on a novel multiobjective optimization model and examines its feasibility as a decision support tool to support healthcare professionals in comparing different modalities and identifying the most preferred one based on a patient’s needs. Thirty-one exercise therapy modalities were considered from 21 randomized controlled trials. A novel interactive multiobjective optimization model was designed to characterize the efficacy of an exercise therapy modality ba…