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Welcome to My Design Blog!

My goal for this blog is to give Tips & Tricks, Advice, and Pass along things I've learned about design! 

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So to speak, I intent to pass on the KEY points of design: some that I've learned through my experience as a designer, and other aspects that I've more recently learned!

Today, let's discuss the definition of the word "design": 


de·sign [dih-zahyn]

verb (used with object)

  1. to prepare the preliminary sketch or the plans for (a work to be executed),especially to plan the form and structure of: to design a new bridge.
  2. to plan and fashion artistically or skillfully.
  3. to intend for a definite purpose: a scholarship designed for foreignstudents.
  4. to form or conceive in the mind; contrive; plan: The prisoner designed anintricate escape.
  5. to assign in thought or intention; purpose: He designed to be a doctor.
  6. Obsolete . to mark out, as by a sign; indicate.
  7. verb (used without object)
  8. to make drawings, preliminary sketches, or plans.
  9. to plan and fashion the form and structure of an object, work of art,decorative scheme, etc.

Definition from:  http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/design

I tend to like the more all-inclusive definition from #8: "to plan and fashion the form and structure of an object, work of art, decorative scheme, etc"

What do you notice are the three common themes of the 8 definitions of the word DESIGN, what do they mean?

  • Purpose - What will design do for you (that you currently want or need)?
  • Fashion - How do you intend your design to align with your personal look?
  • Skill - Do you have the current skill set required to successfully implement a design that serves a defined purpose and aligns with your fashon sense?

Question for Readers:

After you've read this post, is there anything else that design means to you?

"For me design is a mix of Form and Function. If the space doesn't serve a purpose, it doesn't matter how beatuiful it is." -JE

© Janelle Erickson Design 2012