DCEDesignSA: A MATLAB-based Graphical User Interface for Discrete Choice Experiment Design Using Simulated Annealing

Abstract

DCEDesignSA is a freely available MATLAB package for generating Bayesian D-optimal discrete choice experiment designs. It employs Simulated Annealing to efficiently search the design space and maximise the Bayesian D-optimality criterion under user-specified prior distributions. The toolbox features an interactive graphical user interface, enabling researchers without programming expertise to define experimental settings, generate optimal designs, and export survey-ready designs directly to Qualtrics. DCEDesignSA supports interaction terms in utility, no-choice alternatives, and presentation order effects.