Designing chip architecture for the best performance and smallest size is an exceedingly difficult task.  Today, computers solve the problem by considering possible combinations.  They are fast, but the computer lacks both intuition and visual pattern recognition.  These are not only characteristics at which humans excel, but also are characteristics that could yield a better or even optimal design.  Researchers at University of Michigan are developing mechanisms to combine the speed of computers and the skill of humans in a project called FunSAT.  By solving problems using the FunSAT board, players contribute to the design of complex computer systems.  Although the humans believe they are just selecting actions that will turn all buttons green, they are in fact solving complex problems of selecting the best arrangement of options.  The solution is then given to a computer scientist who translate that solution into hardware design.  The researchers hope to use this combination of objective and subjective modeling to improve chip designs, databases, and even robotics.  Perhaps someday similar “games” can be used to improve other decisions.