What Is Design?

A design is a blueprint or design for the construction of something, an act or procedure, or even the outcome of this plan or specifications in the form of a model, appliance or procedure, or even the physical creation of that object. The word ‘design’ is derived from the Greek word ‘designer’, which means ‘to direct; to alter in form’ – thus, ‘designing’ refers to directing one’s energies, talents and knowledge in productive directions, directed toward the fulfillment of certain ends. The verb ‘design’ is related to the verb ‘to create’, which means ‘to make (do) by hand or be done by hands.’ Thus, ‘designing’ refers to the practice of creating, planning and creating.

In applied arts, the discipline of applied arts usually deals more with the visual aspects of objects rather than their functions or mechanisms. In technical writing, the field of technical writing normally deals more with the details of manufacturing, construction and other physical aspects of objects. In graphic design, on the other hand, one uses tools to express an idea or provide a perspective (or ‘mood’) of a particular subject. A graphic designer can be a photographer, illustrator, writer, illustrator, painter, graphic artist or any other type of person who uses various methods and forms of art to communicate, make things and represent things.

A rational model is the product of an integrated knowledge system that includes applied science, math, software and creative thinking. A rational model is a feasible representation of what reality will look like under a variety of possible conditions. This representation helps us determine realistic design goals and design solutions. An architect must first establish design goals, which may include the size and shape of buildings, the location of streets and utilities, the number of people likely to be involved in the building process, and the cost of constructing or installing the structure.