To overcome the limitations of classical mathematical models for precipitation hardening, modern computational approaches can be used to quantify the resolved shear stresses during dislocation precipitate interactions. This allows the development of near complete non-empirical descriptions of strengthening effects that can accelerate the  design and optimisation of future superalloys. A discussion is hereby presented, with reference to electon microscope observations, on how a universal model for precipitation hardening may be developed for multi-component nickel and cobalt-based superalloys using automated multi-scale computer simulations. A combination of phase-field modelling with first-principles simulations is used to explore compositional and microstructural effects on precipitation hardening mechanisms during yield and primary creep. The applicability of the method to optimising the microstructure for a given alloy composition is explored. Finally, the effect of solute segregation at stacking faults on the shearing of $\gamma'$ precipitates during primary creep is also investigated.