  Surrogate-based optimization, nature-inspired metaheuristics, and hybrid
combinations have become state of the art in algorithm design for solving
real-world optimization problems. Still, it is difficult for practitioners to
get an overview that explains their advantages in comparison to a large number
of available methods in the scope of optimization. Available taxonomies lack
the embedding of current approaches in the larger context of this broad field.
This article presents a taxonomy of the field, which explores and matches
algorithm strategies by extracting similarities and differences in their search
strategies. A particular focus lies on algorithms using surrogates,
nature-inspired designs, and those created by design optimization. The
extracted features of components or operators allow us to create a set of
classification indicators to distinguish between a small number of classes. The
features allow a deeper understanding of components of the search strategies
and further indicate the close connections between the different algorithm
designs. We present intuitive analogies to explain the basic principles of the
search algorithms, particularly useful for novices in this research field.
Furthermore, this taxonomy allows recommendations for the applicability of the
corresponding algorithms.
