1. A computer method for providing optimization for design processes for situations wherein there is defined a functional form y&equals;f(x,b), where x comprises a set of independent controllable variables x&equals;&lcub;x1,... xn&rcub;, b comprises a set of functional parameters b&equals;&lcub;b1,... bm&rcub;, and y comprises a dependent uncontrollable design variable, f(x,b) subject to constraints on the dependent uncontrollable design variable y, the method comprising the steps of: (i) converting the constraints on y to constraints on b by using a functional estimate of y and its design variables (parameters) b; (ii) optimizing the function f(x,b) subject to the converted constraints on its design variables (parameters) b; and (iii) generating from step (ii) a set of optimized values of b which can optimize the dependent design variable y.