Rapid Manufacture (RM) allows for a more simplified approach to the manufacture of individual products that has been previously limited using other manufacturing technologies. The simplistic nature of RM in terms of knowledge required to take ideas to manufactured product can bring consumers closer to the design of their own products than ever before. To support any future consumer-centred design practices, tools can be developed to assist the design process. This paper reviews some current and past research in the field of automated design and design assistant tools. The focus is on creating a smooth transition of design from idea to manufacture in a user friendly environment.