Abstract: One variation of a method includes: accessing a virtual assembly; for a virtual component in a set of virtual components within the virtual assembly, generating a constellation of rays emanating from an inset surface of the virtual component; traversing the virtual component along a first ray, in the constellation of rays, in a first direction; in response to the virtual component colliding with another virtual component along the first ray, identifying a restricted escape direction; traversing the virtual component along a second ray, in the constellation of rays, in a second direction; in response to the virtual shell avoiding collision with another virtual component along the second ray, identifying an unrestricted escape direction; and generating a virtual assembly sequence specifying installation of the virtual component, opposite the second direction, prior to installation of another virtual component, based on the unrestricted escape direction.