The RaPiD Project: Knowledge-based design of dental prostheses

RaPiD is a knowledge-based assistant for designing removable partial dentures. 1t employs techniques from logic data bases, declarative graphics, and critiquing, along with expert design knowledge, to provide a CAD-style graphical interface for both instructional and professional use, the latter offering some design automation. RaPiD is being evaluated in terms of usability, clinical correctness, and pedagogical value. The potential for applying the same approach to other small to medium design activities is also being investigated.