On this web page, you will find definitions of terms that we use.
Design activity
Approach
Definition: A behavioural way to tackle a problem from a particular perspective.
Examples of a professional approach:
- design thinking from a user perspective,
- systems thinking from a holistic perspective,
- participatory thinking from a dialectical perspective.
Concept
Definition: A conceivable way to solve a particular problem.
Design (noun)
Definition: A plan, sketch, or drawing showing an object’s appearance, function, and workings before it is built or made.
Design (verb)
Definition: To create new experiences through an object that is yet to be built or made.
In other words, a design process attempts to meet and exceed explicit and implicit expectations by specifying a new object. There are many fields of application, such as advertising, industrial, and web design, all with their own definitions of design.
Scientifically speaking, designing creates a theory: an idea, plan, or set of principles on how to fulfill particular needs and desires through the properties of a non-existing object. Furthermore, designing creates a model of this theory. It specifies an object with properties that correspond to the properties according to the theory. Based on this model, you can build or make the object (see Towards an anticipatory view of design).
Experience
Definition: The emotion a person feels when a particular need or desire is fulfilled to some extent.
Methodology
Definition: A set of principles, practices, and procedures that help solve particular problems.
Examples of a professional methodology:
- Agile for change-driven development,
- V-Model for test-driven development,
- Design for X for issue-driven development.
Problem
Definition: A lack of perspective on how to fulfill a particular need or desire.
Solution
Definition: A feasible way to solve a particular problem.
Wicked problem
Definition: A vague, confusing, and unique problem you only understand after formulating a solution.
A design problem is a wicked problem. In practice, requirements formulated to express the needs and desires of users are often incomplete, inconsistent, imprecise, or ambiguous (see Towards a Knowledge Level Theory of Design Process).
Power
Creativity
Definition: Productivity through imagination.
Forms of creativity:
- Innovation
- Adaptation
- Transformation
You can attribute organizational creativity only to a group of people, not to an individual.
Impact
Definition: The power to bring about a result on another.
Examples of professional impact:
- Number of leads
- Number of customers
- Number of ambassadors
Performance
Definition: The manner of reacting to stimuli.
Forms of professional performance:
- Scope
- Quality
- Benefit
- Time
- Cost
- Risk
Value
Definition: The importance, usefulness, or advantage of something.
Forms of professional value:
- Social value
- Environmental value
- Economic value
Organization
Organizational design
Definition: The result of designing an organization to achieve its goals effectively and efficiently.
An organizational design expresses the following aspects:
- Strategy
- Structure
- System
- Specialisms
- Skills
- Shared values
Professional practice
Definition: A group that focuses on the long-term sustainable success of a specific profession in an organization.
For design, see A Framework for Building a Design Practice.
Team
Definition: An assembly of two or more people working together to accomplish a common goal.