ParetoChat: An LLM-Based Interface for Interactive Multi-Objective Optimization

Abstract

Multi-objective optimization models are often deployed in settings where decision makers (DMs) must balance some conflicting criteria. In practice, however, stakeholders must translate their qualitative preferences between different criteria into numerical weights, priorities, or reference points required by optimization methods, which can be difficult to specify and interpret. This paper proposes \emph{ParetoChat}, an LLM (large language model)-based expert-agent interface for interactive multi-objective optimization. The agent translates natural-language user input into structured scalarization parameters, invokes an optimization system, presents candidate solutions, and iteratively elicits feedback. We describe a multi-agent architecture that separates input processing, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) expertise, solution presentation, and feedback processing. We then present a simulation study using an LLM-based DM agent and benchmark ParetoChat against interactive methods implemented in DESDEO, including reference-point and NIMBUS methods. The computational experiments on multi-objective binary knapsack and set-partitioning instances show that ParetoChat can guide the search efficiently toward solutions that match the DM's preferences. An application to historical courier-order assignment instances illustrates how users can explore objective extremes and intermediate trade-offs through natural-language requests. The results indicate that LLM agents may provide a practical interaction layer between business stakeholders and optimization tools.