What is design?

Design is a difficult term to define because it means so many things to so many people. Individuals may disagree on the effectiveness of a design.

So here is my personal attempt to define it:

Design is a plan, strategy, or intention behind a product, action, or endeavor. This broad definition can encompass almost every human exploit.  Design can be seen in our furniture, toys, buildings, media, and even our communication.  It is how we solve problems, create opportunities, and improve our lives.

Design first starts with ideation. We encounter problems on a daily basis and it is a universal impulse is to seek out a way to overcome our problems. Designers seek to understand the dynamics and origin of a problem and then employ ideation to create solutions.  A design for a single problem may  go through hundreds of design iterations. Every feature and aspect of a design must be carefully selected because the design's success or failure may hinge on it. A design dictates the form and function with the intended audience in mind.

A common misconception is that design is strictly about form, or how something looks. While design does include the aesthetic element, it also extends to include function, process, tools, ergonomics, and user experience. The designer starts with an idea but must be able to communicate it to make it a reality. Design can be shared through hand sketches, written text, verbal communication, blueprints, CAD, or a variety of other mediums. Good design begins and ends with the user. A good design takes into account what a user needs and presents a solution  that meets its target audience in both form and function.