St*Mesh and related tools are based on a weak optimization approach constructed from guiding principles, implemented differently for each problem domain.
Ordering decisions and choices, guided by both optimization objective(s) and feasibility.
Estimating the impact of each decision choice on the complete design by heuristic bounds.
Attempting to make the decision with the least uncertainty in the optimal choice.
Making choices optimistically.
Randomizing enough to explore more of the search space.
Bundling similar decisions together.
Narrowing rather than committing when not enough information is available.
