Design

/dɪˈzaɪn/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A plan or drawing produced to show the look and function or workings of a building, garment, or other object before it is made.

The architect presented the design for the new library.

The art or action of conceiving of and producing a plan or drawing.

Her design for the marketing campaign was innovative and fresh.

A decorative pattern.

The fabric features a beautiful floral design.

verb

To create, fashion, execute, or construct according to plan.

They will design a new website for the company.

To intend for a specific purpose.

This tool is designed for professional use.

To create a pattern or structure.

He was hired to design the new logo.

From Middle English, from Old French 'designer', from Latin 'designare' meaning 'to mark out, devise'.

design process

The series of steps one takes to conceptualize and create a design.

user-centered design

A design approach that prioritizes the needs and experiences of the user.

design thinking

A methodology that uses the designers' sensibility and methods to match people's needs with what is technologically feasible.

industrial design

The process of designing products that are to be mass-produced.

designer

A person who plans the form or structure of something.

designate

To officially assign a particular quality or function.

redesign

To design something again or differently.

To throw together a plan quickly without much thought.

We just winged it, it was a complete design-on-the-fly situation.

To create or plan something stylish and trendy.

That new cafe has an amazing vibe; they totally designed it to be Instagram-worthy.