Bayesian optimization with categorical variables

aatw — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 07:45:31 GMT

Is it possible to have only categorical factors for BO? Or will it be possible in JMP 20?

Thanks

Re: Bayesian optimization with categorical variables

Victor_G — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 08:08:59 GMT

I just tested to create a small DoE with only categorical factors and a random response, everything seems to be accepted in the BO platform, no error messages or warning:

When entering in the platform, an automatic recommendation is done, like for continuous input variables:

So no problem to use categorical factors only with BO JMP Platform; in other situations/packages, you may need to use a "Bandit Optimization" method, which is more adapted to choosing levels from a discrete set of candidates. More infos on the Ax webpage about Bandit Optimization vs. Bayesian Optimization: https://ax.dev/docs/0.5.0/banditopt/

Note that I only answer regarding the feasibility of doing it in JMP, not about any success rate or adapted strategy regarding your use case.

Best,

topic Re: Bayesian optimization with categorical variables in Discussions

Bayesian optimization with categorical variables

Re: Bayesian optimization with categorical variables