clumsy design

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clumsy design" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a design that is awkward, ungraceful, or poorly executed, often in the context of products, websites, or user interfaces. Example: "The new app has a clumsy design that makes it difficult for users to navigate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

At no point was I pulled out of Journey's world through clumsy design or a single frame of unnatural animation.

The Guardian - Tech

WORST: Cluttered, clumsy design.

Forbes

The bike is water-cooled, which is good, but the big radiator is the Sixty's one clumsy design element.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

If this were a show written by teen-agers, you might excuse the clumsy set design, flat singing, melodramatic book, dull lyrics, and dated score, but unfortunately that isn't the case.

The New Yorker

Cycle superhighways Clumsy in design and execution, and criticised for the disruption caused by building several at once, the intention is entirely reasonable – that London improves its traffic movement by encouraging bicycles, which are healthier and take up less space than cars.

The Guardian - Arts

Taking a look back at another week of news from Cupertino, this week's Apple Loop includes Apple's critical decision over OLED and LCD iPhone displays, a clumsy iPhone design leaks, the cancelled iPhone SE 2, iOS 12 gifts for the iPad, an argument for three new MacBooks, questions over Apple's wireless charging promise, and why President Trump could scupper a trillion-dollar Apple.

Forbes

The catalogue notes that clumsy, makeshift designs can make disabled people feel inadequate and can cause them to be seen as different and unapproachable.

The New York Times

Among the 12 he lists were clumsy page designs, missing picture captions, inappropriate images, photographic manipulation, poor picture cropping, overprinting, headline typos and incongruous clashes between editorial and adverts.

The Guardian

Wiring problems on old planes, recognized as a hazard since the crash of Trans World Airlines Flight 800 five years ago, are caused not by natural decay but by clumsy maintenance, bad equipment design and improper installation, the Federal Aviation Administration said today.

The New York Times

As a dramatic work, there's nothing special about it – scenic transitions and sound design are clumsy, and there isn't much dynamism in the way the space is used.

The Guardian

In his words, our brains and minds are supreme kluges, a kluge being an engineer's term for a clumsy solution to a design problem - an "ill-assorted collection of poorly matching parts forming a distressing whole", in the words of computer pioneer Jackson Granholm.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When critiquing a design, be specific about why it's a "clumsy design". Point out the particular elements or aspects that contribute to its awkwardness or lack of usability.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that a design is a "clumsy design" without providing any supporting evidence or reasoning. Back up your assessment with concrete examples and objective criteria.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clumsy design" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "clumsy" modifies the noun "design". According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and appears in real-world contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clumsy design" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe designs lacking elegance or functionality. While Ludwig identifies it as correct, its frequency is rare. Common contexts include news and media, and science. For alternatives, consider "awkward design" or "inelegant design". When using this phrase, provide specific examples to support your critique. Although Ludwig confirms its correctness, avoid overuse and strive for precision in your design evaluations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awkward design

Replaces "clumsy" with a synonym emphasizing lack of grace.

inelegant design

Substitutes "clumsy" with a term suggesting a lack of sophistication.

poorly executed design

Focuses on the unsuccessful implementation of the design.

badly implemented design

Similar to "poorly executed design", but emphasizes the implementation phase.

flawed design

Highlights the presence of errors or imperfections in the design.

deficient design

Suggests the design is lacking essential qualities or elements.

unrefined design

Implies the design lacks polish and attention to detail.

unsophisticated design

Similar to "unrefined design", but emphasizes a lack of complexity or artistry.

kludgy design

Uses a more technical term to describe a design that is functional but inelegant.

unwieldy design

Focuses on the design being difficult to use or manage.

FAQs

What does "clumsy design" mean?

The phrase "clumsy design" refers to a design that is awkward, poorly executed, or difficult to use. It suggests a lack of finesse and may indicate that the design is not user-friendly.

What can I say instead of "clumsy design"?

You can use alternatives like "awkward design", "inelegant design", or "poorly executed design" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "clumsy design" in formal writing?

Yes, "clumsy design" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when providing a critique or evaluation. However, consider alternatives like "deficient design" or "unrefined design" for a more sophisticated tone.

How can I avoid creating a "clumsy design"?

To avoid a "clumsy design", prioritize user experience, conduct thorough testing, and iterate on your design based on feedback. Ensure that the design is intuitive, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing.