a functional design

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a functional design" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a design that is practical and serves its intended purpose effectively. Example: "The architect presented a functional design that maximizes space while ensuring comfort for the residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"But ice carving is now moving to more of a functional design".

The New York Times - Tech

A functional design involves organizing by knowledge, skills, or processes.

International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences

A functional design must react correctly to a given stimulus.

Principles of Functional Verification

Imaging equipment is high-tech material requiring advanced electronic and mechanical engineering, together with a functional design.

Insights into Imaging

This chapter discusses several methods that help in determining the validity of a functional design model.

Principles of Functional Verification

Adopting a functional design approach, the fixture design solution was created in two levels: functional and detailed.

Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

This chapter explores the mechanisms underlying motivation and self-regulation from a functional-design perspective.

Handbook of Self-Regulation

Roughly 3 by 9 feet, it had a smart, functional design: a frosted-glass wall brought in light, the shower was in a curtained-off corner, and there were ample hooks and shelves.

The New York Times - Travel

A purely functional design cannot be the basis of a trademark and trademark law should not be used to perpetuate monopoly rights enjoyed under now-expired patents," the court wrote in its decision.

The New York Times

To tackle this problem, we propose a generic constraint-based approach that is based on a comprehensive functional design model.

Computer-Aided Design

It featured straightened curves, flattened hills and a sleek, functional design for its toll plazas and the restaurants and gas stations at the service areas.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a design, be specific about which functions make it practical. For instance, instead of just saying "it's a functional design", explain how it enhances usability or efficiency.

Common error

Don't assume that "a functional design" implies a lack of aesthetic appeal. A well-executed design can be both functional and visually pleasing; strive to balance utility with style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a functional design" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "functional" modifies the noun "design". As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a design that is primarily useful and effective for its intended purpose. The examples illustrate this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

34%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a functional design" is a versatile phrase used to describe designs that prioritize practicality and effectiveness. As shown by Ludwig, it appears frequently in scientific, news, and general contexts. The phrase is grammatically correct and, while seemingly straightforward, benefits from specific details to highlight its impact. When using this phrase, consider what makes the design particularly useful, and avoid assuming that functionality precludes aesthetic appeal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a practical design

Replaces "functional" with "practical", emphasizing the utility of the design.

an effective design

Stresses the design's success in achieving its intended purpose.

an efficient design

Focuses on the design's ability to minimize waste and maximize output.

a purposeful design

Highlights that the design was created with a specific intention or goal.

a streamlined design

Highlights the design's simplicity and ease of use.

a fit-for-purpose design

Emphasizes the design's suitability for a particular task or requirement.

a utilitarian design

Emphasizes the design's focus on usefulness over aesthetics.

an operational design

Focuses on the design's ability to be readily used and maintained.

a well-designed function

Inverts the phrase to focus on the function itself being well-designed.

a working design

Indicates that the design is not just theoretical, but actually functions as intended.

FAQs

How can I use "a functional design" in a sentence?

You can use "a functional design" to describe something that is designed to be practical and effective. For example, "The kitchen features "a functional design" with ample storage and counter space."

What are some alternatives to saying "a functional design"?

Alternatives include "a practical design", "an efficient design", or "a utilitarian design", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it redundant to say "a functional design"?

While all designs should ideally be functional, explicitly stating ""a functional design"" can be useful to emphasize that the design prioritizes usability and effectiveness over purely aesthetic considerations.

What's the difference between "a functional design" and "an innovative design"?

"A functional design" focuses on the practicality and effectiveness of a design, while "an innovative design" emphasizes its novelty and originality. A design can be both functional and innovative.