Abstract: In order to solve the problem of fuzzy design constraints and incompleteness of key information in conceptual design stage, a conceptual design method based on product genes was proposed, overcoming some blindness in design process and improving the feasibility of designed schemes. Firstly, a conceptual design process model was established. Based on this, a new definition and composition of product genes was put forward. Then, a product gene coding method based on functional elements was proposed. Finally, a genetics-based conceptual design method was described with an unmanned probe car as an example. The results show that this method can clarify the key information of products in the conceptual design process, and reduce the blindness of design so as to improve the feasibility of design schemes and the design efficiency.