Design, usually considered in the context of the applied arts, engineering, architecture, and other such creative endeavours, is used as both a noun and a verb. "Design" as a verb refers to the process of originating and developing a plan for a new object (machine, building, product, etc.). As a noun, "design" is used both for the final plan or proposal (a drawing, model, or other description), or the result of implementing that plan or proposal (the object produced). Designing normally requires considering aesthetic, functional, and many other aspects of an object, which usually requires considerable research, thought, modeling, interactive adjustment, and re-design.
The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to design:
Essence of design[edit | edit source]
- Main article: Design
Design professions[edit | edit source]
- 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.
- Business
- An "MBA" refers to a person holding a Master of Business Administration. No professional certification is required. While a specific "business design" field does not exist, the business field generally gives creative and strategic power to MBAs.
- Engineering
- An Engineer typically has a BS or MS degree, as well as professional certification as a Professional Engineer. They primarily focus on applying scientific principles to design, as opposed to aesthetics or emotion.
- Fashion
- A Fashion designer typically has a Bachelor's degree. 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[edit | edit source]
Objects[edit | edit source]
- Business
- New product development
- Engineering
- Cellular manufacturing – Mechanical engineering – New product development – System design
- Fashion
- Fashion design – New product development
- Graphic design
- Game design – Packaging design
- Industrial design
- Automotive design – Industrial design – New product development – Product design
- Software design
- Game design – New product development – Software engineering – Software design – Software development
- Other
- Furniture design – Ceramic and glass design – Floral design
Concepts[edit | edit source]
- Business
- Business design – New product development – Service design – System design
- Engineering
- System design
- Graphic design
- Information design
Environments and experiences[edit | edit source]
- Architects
- Building design – Urban design
- Graphic design
- Motion graphic design – User interface design – Web design
- Interior design
- Experience design – Interaction design
- Software design
- User experience design
- Other
- Garden design – Landscape design – Sound design – Theatrical design
Design approaches and methods[edit | edit source]
- Co-Design – Creative problem solving – Creativity techniques – Design-build – Design for X – Design management – Design thinking – Engineering design process – Error-tolerant design – Fault tolerant design – Functional design – Metadesign – Mind mapping – Open design – Participatory design – Reliable system design – TRIZ – Universal design – User innovation
History of design[edit | edit source]
More design concepts[edit | edit source]
Design organizations[edit | edit source]
Design tools[edit | edit source]
- Computer-aided design<-- Drafting and other forms of modelling. --> – Graphic organizers