designing around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "designing around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of creating a design that accommodates or takes into account certain constraints or features. Example: "The architect is designing around the existing trees to preserve the natural landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Even if you acknowledge you are a 'dumb shit' and are following the principles and are designing around your weaknesses, understand that you might still be missing things.

The New Yorker

Astrophysicists, designers, teachers, doctors, engineers, and all others with creative veins must form integrated teams and start designing around the big issues we face.

The Guardian

3) Blackboard Available on iOS, Microsoft, and Android Video: Discover the New Learning Experience - why we're designing around the learner's journey http://t.co/mXSIiylmRw pic.twitter.com/Gp1xB9XE4S Most universities use Blackboard as an operating system to upload lecture notes, set assignments, and more.

Independent

So for a class project on designing around disaster, Sreshta teamed up with classmate Anna Stork, who had a background in engineering.

BBC

The Duct Tape Parade featured more than 20 floats decorated in the theme "Decades of Duck Tape" with participants designing around icons from the 1940s and later.

BBC

Short-wavelength optical transitions in such structures are associated with a number of challenges in both the growth and design, including managing the internal strain and designing around indirect valleys.

Journal of Crystal Growth

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Which was fun to design around".

Huffington Post

Offices are designed around tea.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

*... unless it's designed around data.

The Guardian

It's designed around empathy and openness.

The Guardian

"The memorial was designed around the crash site.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When "designing around" user needs, conduct thorough research and testing to ensure the design effectively addresses those needs.

Common error

Avoid focusing solely on the primary constraint when "designing around" something. Always consider potential side effects or unintended consequences of your design choices.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "designing around" functions as a verb phrase often used to describe the process of creating a plan or structure that is intentionally adapted to, or constrained by, existing conditions or limitations. Ludwig's examples illustrate its application across diverse fields like engineering, architecture, and software development.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "designing around" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a planning process that intentionally incorporates limitations or existing conditions. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability across various fields, from architecture and engineering to software development and even parade float construction. While predominantly found in news media and scientific contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, remember to clearly define the constraints and consider potential unintended consequences to ensure an effective and well-rounded design.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

planning around

Focuses more on the planning aspect rather than the design itself.

building around

Emphasizes the construction or development aspect, often in a more literal sense.

working around

Suggests overcoming obstacles or limitations during the design process.

accommodating for

Highlights making adjustments to fit specific requirements.

tailoring to

Implies customizing the design to suit particular needs or preferences.

adapting to

Focuses on modifying the design to fit changing circumstances.

engineering around

Emphasizes technical problem-solving in the design process.

factoring in

Highlights including specific elements as an important consideration

considering

A more general term for taking something into account during design.

taking into account

Indicates that specific elements are actively considered

FAQs

What does "designing around" mean?

The phrase "designing around" refers to the process of creating a design that takes into account, and adapts to, specific constraints, limitations, or existing features. It involves planning and developing a solution that works effectively within those parameters.

How do you use "designing around" in a sentence?

You might say, "The engineers are "designing around" the existing infrastructure to minimize disruption." or "The architect is "designing around" the natural landscape to preserve the environment."

What are some alternatives to "designing around"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "planning around", "building around", or "working around". Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the process.

When is it appropriate to use "designing around" versus "designing for"?

"Designing around" implies there are pre-existing conditions or restrictions that must be accommodated, whereas "designing for" suggests a focus on a specific purpose or target audience without necessarily needing to adapt to existing constraints. If you are "designing around" existing limitations and restrictions instead of "designing for" something that can change.