An hierarchical procedure for the conceptual design and rapid simulation of free radical home- and copolymerisations in solution is presented. This conceptual design procedure is intended for use as a tool for the understanding and screening of design alternatives, especially by the inexperienced user. It uses the minimum amount of information possible to screen a large series of process alternatives in order to identify potentially optimal process designs, both in terms of economics and product quality (polymer molecular weight, etc.), and to eliminate alternatives that are either physically undesirable or economically unfeasible. Additionally, the computerised version of the programme can be used to perform a sensitivity analysis of candidate designs This procedure allows the user to see what are the most important parameters to be considered, what can be ignored, and where future experimental programmes would be most beneficial. Examples of the production of both home- and copolymers in solution are presented.