Outline of design

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

Design – as a noun informally refers to a plan or convention for the construction of an object or a system (as in architectural blueprints, engineering drawing, business process, circuit diagrams and sewing patterns) while “to design” (verb) refers to making this plan.

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.
• 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 approaches and methods

• 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

Design activities

• Creativity

Designing objects

• 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

System design

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

Design tools

• Computer-aided design
• Graphic organizers

Environments and experiences

• 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

Impact of design

• Creative industries
• Design classic

Design organizations

• European Design Awards
• Chartered Society of Designers
• The Design Association

Studying design

• Critical design
• Design research
• Wicked problems

External links

• Design Search Engine