Designs maybe optimised progressively to obtain the best characteristics. For example strength an rigidity are normal design requirements for a machine base whereas, flexibility is necessary for the safe function of an aircraft wing. FEA allows the design materials to assessed under simulated load conditions.

What-if scenarios maybe setup to analyse differing load or design configurations.

Existing designs maybe analysed to provide useful data which can be used as a benchmark to measure design improvements against. New designs maybe checked to ensure correct material and/or dimensions to withstand applied loads and measured against a predefined factor of safety.