An analytical comparative method is proposed f or the evaluation of relative performance of design alternatives by multiple criteria which are expressed in terms of quantitative design variables. Any one of the latter may be included in one or more of the criterion functions. For each criterion the appropriate performance function is applied to the absolute values, which are then converted to weighted relative values. Subsequently multiple statistical parameters are employed, also accounting for the deviation of individual criterion performances. Finally, those alternatives with above-average values for all statistical criteria can be rank-ordered. The effect can be investigated of design variables on the overall performance of each alternative. The method also allows the performances to be ascertained of alternatives at each phase or over the complete life cycle and of phases in the life cycle for the given set of alternatives.