Abstract— Target shape design optimization problem (TSDOP) is a miniature model for real world design optimization problems. It is proposed as a test bed to design and analyze optimization approaches for design optimization with tremendously reducing the running period of optimization process, while, the merit can be only achieved by correctly approximating the real design situation and satisfying the causality of design and evaluation. The representation of the designed object is mostly described by parameterization techniques. To realize the design optimization, is to vary the parameterized object by means of operating the relevant parameters. The solution of design optimization often involved the choice of suitable description for the designed object, which can be obtained by expanding the design freedom. When changing the description length, the original parameters of the designed object will then varied. This bring about the requirements for optimization algorithms to self-adapt...