Outline of design

Last updated October 23, 2025

The following outline is provided as an overview of a topical guide to design:

Design (as a verb: designing, or, to design) is the intentional creation of a plan or specification for the construction or manufacturing of an object or system or for the implementation of an activity or process. Design (as a noun: a design) can refer to such a plan or specification (e.g. a drawing or other document) or to the created object, etc., and features of it such as aesthetic, functional, economic or socio-political.^[1]

Design professions

Architecture – An Architect typically has a B.Arch or M.Arch, as well as professional certification through groups such as the NCARB. Their primary focus is the design of buildings.
Engineering – An Engineer typically has a BS or MS degree, as well as professional certification as a Professional Engineer. They primarily focus on applying. No professional certification is required. Their primary focus is the design of apparel.
Graphic design – A Graphic Designer typically has a BFA or MFA. No professional certification is required. Their primary focus is the design of visual communication.
Industrial design – An Industrial Designer typically has a BFA or MFA. No professional certification is required. Their primary focus is the design of physical, functional objects.
Interior design – An Interior Designer typically has a Bachelor's degree. No professional certification is required. Their primary focus is the design of human environment, particularly affecting aesthetics and emotions.
Software design – A Software designer typically has a BS or MS degree in computer science. While professional certification is not required, many exist. Their primary focus is the functional design of computer software.

Design activities

Designing objects

Business
- New product development
Engineering
Fashion
- Fashion design
Graphic design
- Game design
- Packaging design
Industrial design
Software design
Other
- Furniture
- Floral design

System design

System design
- Business
  - New product development
  - Service design
- Engineering
- Graphic design
  - Information design

Design tools

Environments and experiences

Architects
- Building design
- Urban design
Graphic design
Interior design
- Experience design
- Interaction design
Software design
- User experience design
Other

Impact of design

Design organizations

Studying design

Critical design
Design research
Wicked problem – problem that is difficult or impossible to solve because of incomplete, contradictory, and changing requirements that are often difficult to recognize. The use of term "wicked" here has come to denote resistance to resolution, rather than evil. Moreover, because of complex interdependencies, the effort to solve one aspect of a wicked problem may reveal or create other problems.

References

↑ See dictionary meanings in the Cambridge Dictionary of American English Archived 2009-12-18 at the Wayback Machine , at Dictionary.com (esp. meanings 1-5 and 7-8) and at AskOxford (esp. verbs).

External links

Design Search Engine

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[1] See dictionary meanings in the Cambridge Dictionary of American English Archived 2009-12-18 at the Wayback Machine , at Dictionary.com (esp. meanings 1-5 and 7-8) and at AskOxford (esp. verbs).

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