A method for designing a gear train having first and second enmeshed gears includes performing a first analysis with the first and second gears in a first configuration. The first analysis includes determining a first transmission error (TE) characteristic of the first configuration, and providing a first geometric representation of the first TE characteristic. The method also includes performing a second analysis with the first and second gears in a second configuration. The second analysis includes determining a second TE characteristic of the second configuration and providing a second geometric representation of the second TE characteristic. Moreover, the method includes providing a comparison of the first and second TE characteristics by providing a comparison of the first and second geometric representations.