We start with an initial design for a fixed sub-system of polymer and thickener, 𝐃 𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭 , with 𝑛 +,+-number of points, where 𝑛 +,+-was typically set to 36 samples, the maximum throughput of our formulations workflow in a week. We analysed the proportion of stable formulations in our initial design. If < 𝜒 of the formulations were stable, these sub-systems were defined as "difficult-to-formulate", in which case we applied a phase-stability guided DoE strategy. This ensured a large number of experiments would not be wasted without generating any turbidity or rheology data. Otherwise, we preferred a purely space-filling design for the other subsystems, as this imposes no restriction, allowing better modelling of the entire design space.