1. A method of selecting a preferred one or a preferred group of decision objects having a plurality of combinations of attributes from a larger population of possible decision objects, the method comprising the steps of: (a) presenting, over an electronic network, to a plurality of selectors, one or more groups of decision objects having a plurality of combinations of attributes; (b) obtaining information from a selector expressing a selector preference among the presented decision objects; (c) using the information to evolve or to select a derived group of decision objects comprising one or more different combinations of attributes; (d) iterating steps (a) through (c), using a derived group from step (c); and (e) upon achieving a stopping criterion, selecting one or a group of preferred decision objects for further development, manufacture, use, or sale.