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design

design

942 2.8
A plan or drawing that shows how something will look and work
  • noun
  • /dɪˈzaɪn/
translation icon : diseño
  • The architect presented a stunning design for the new community center.
  • design process
  • product design
  • engineering design

Or maybe you're working on these design projects that you can't stand.

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Examples

  • The importance of the findings for the design of intervention and treatment programs is discussed.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Perhaps the greatest impact of the design process is on curriculum and its resulting outcomes.

    Academic text (2011)
  • And did you have a design background at that?

  • And look how cool the design turned out.

  • So my background is in design and design research.

  • But this is just one possible design for a blanket.

  • The funding source did not participate in the design or implementation of the research.

    Academic text (2011)
  • You can also shop existing designs on fabrics.

  • And you know, Steve's design ideas, Apple's design ideas were very clear.

  • That shirt is true functional design, made with sports in mind.

Synonyms

plan
vsdesign
  • Specialized
904 2.5

A detailed drawing that shows the design of a building

is the general concept that also includes the work behind those drawings
planning
vsdesign
507 2.2

To think ahead and decide what to do to prepare for something

is broader and can apply to many activities beyond looks and construction
layout
vsdesign
128 3.5

The way the parts of something are arranged, like on a page or in a room

is mainly about the arrangement of parts rather than overall form and function
pattern
vsdesign
127 1.4

A paper or cloth guide used to cut fabric for clothes

is a repeatable template for copying rather than creating a unique final solution
modeling
vsdesign
  • US
103 3.7

Making a smaller copy of something to show or test it

is focused on making representations rather than determining final appearance or operation
blueprint
vsdesign
72 3.9

A detailed plan used as a guide to make or achieve something

is a wider word covering drawings, documents, and the activity behind them
schema
vsdesign
14 7.0

A simple drawing that shows how a plan or system works

is a general term that covers final drawings and the whole development process
devising
vsdesign
2 4.2

Careful planning to make a new idea or way to do something

is more about drawings and the actual form rather than just inventing ideas
architectural plan
vsdesign
  • Specialized
1 3.9

A detailed drawing that shows the size, design, and layout of a building

is specific to buildings while the general concept covers many objects and projects
designing
vsdesign
1 3.9

The process of planning and making the shape and parts of something

is a term covering both drawings and the process behind those creations
creative design
vsdesign
4.1

Turning new and different ideas into products or objects that look good and work well

is broader and can mean drawings or routine technical work
blueprinting
vsdesign
4.4

Creating detailed plans for a building or project

is a general term for drawings, documents, and the wider process
drafting
vsdesign
  • Specialized
4.2

Making detailed drawings of buildings and machines

focuses on drawing skill and technique rather than the overall process
setout
vsdesign
  • UK
8.1

A drawing that shows exact positions and measurements for building work

is narrowly technical and focuses on measurements not the overall look or function
disegno
vsdesign
9.9

A drawing made as a first plan for an artwork or building

is the broader concept that includes sketches, final drawings, and the work behind them

Antonyms

438 3.1

A situation with no order where people are confused and cannot act normally

31 3.7

A state in which things or places are not arranged

Idioms

26 4.0

On purpose as part of a plan

Compounds

The art of using pictures and words to show ideas clearly

Planning and decorating the inside of a home or office to make it look nice and work well

A style with clean lines, little decoration, open spaces, and materials like glass and metal

computer-aided design
  • Specialized
1 3.5

A way of using computer software to make and change detailed plans for buildings or products

A pattern with many small connected parts that looks very detailed

design criteria
  • Specialized
1 3.9

Standards a designer must meet when creating a product or building

A very strong design that resists damage and heavy impact

borky design
  • Jargon
9.9

A confusing design that works badly and causes errors in apps or websites

A design made to stop bullets and protect people or things

co-design
  • Specialized
4.1

A way of making things together with users and other people to share decisions

4.4

Something that looks the same as many others and has no new ideas

A style with straps that cross at the back used in dresses and swimsuits

Turning new and different ideas into products or objects that look good and work well

A simple design that has only the basic parts needed

A style that mixes Baroque and Rococo with ornate, playful decoration

A design that uses one color and its different shades

multicursal design
  • Specialized
8.2

A layout with many paths, like a maze or garden

A bright repeating pattern of colored shapes that looks like a kaleidoscope

A way of making rooms or products that mixes vintage looks with eco-friendly materials

Visual look and placement of parts to change how people see it

pedipulator design
  • Specialized
9.6

A machine part that moves like a leg or arm to make exact movements

A pattern of a five-pointed star used as a symbol in magic or culture

A style of design from Scandinavian countries with simple, useful furniture and light colors

A style of clothing or bag without zippers that looks smooth and simple

How Detailed

specification
  • Specialized
75 4.4
design
942 2.8
plan
1.0
to sketch
45 3.0
idea
1.0

Surface Forms

design singular
designs plural

Etymology

The word design comes from Latin designare, 'to mark out', which gives the idea of drawing or planning before making something. So a design is a plan or drawing that shows how something will look or work.