Running the Optimization

Before running the optimization, save the project using Ctrl+S. Then using File, Save As, save it again under the new name tutorial_2.msop. By performing the optimization on tutorial_2.msop and keeping tutorial_1.msop in its non-optimized state, you'll be able to do a “before and after” comparison between the two. This is an awkward technique and not recommended in general, but in order to show the best way, we'll have to introduce the Configurations feature, which isn't until later in the tutorial. Before continuing, make sure the Combined Responses graph is currently displayed. If it is not, select the Data View tab, right-click on the Combined Responses graph icon and choose Show Graph.

To run the optimization, press the Start Optimization button on the toolbar or choose Config, Optimize from the main menu. As the optimization runs, you'll see the Combined Responses graph continuously update with the newest solution found. It may appear to get stuck on a solution that isn't as good as what you'd like, but often giving it 20 minutes or so to explore the space of possible solutions can show surprising improvements in the result, even late into the process. Your results may vary because of MSO's use of a random number generator within the optimizer, but you should expect to see something like the results shown below, given that you've run the optimizer long enough.

Compare this with the combined responses before optimization, repeated for clarity below.

Running the optimization has provided a substantial improvement, both to flatness and seat-to-seat consistency of responses.