the idea of design

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the idea of design" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing concepts, theories, or philosophies related to design in various contexts, such as art, architecture, or product development. Example: "The idea of design has evolved significantly over the past century, reflecting changes in technology and culture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

In the '80s, everything was designed, and I rejected the idea of design.

The New York Times

With every new initiative to explain it, the idea of "design" becomes less clear, more fugitive.

Independent

"I would love to see the idea of design being taught as a life skill, not just a professional skill, because it's so useful," adds Demetrios.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's in keeping with a lot of the programming, introducing children to the idea of design as shape, color and pattern," said Jennifer Northrop, a museum spokeswoman.

The New York Times

Like its competitors, Ford is now wedded to the idea of design engineers working in parallel with their manufacturing colleagues so that problems are identified early and dealt with.

The Economist

But in the catalog for the Met exhibition, Ms. Prada reveals that in the '80s she wore vintage clothes and uniforms — service uniforms, children's uniforms — because she hated the idea of design.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"I like the idea of designing fine jewels I would wear and my generation would wear," he said.

The New York Times

The concept was invented by the Four Seasons New York in the late 1970s; they had the idea of designing a meal that would be conducive to doing business.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

After that, bookholders became a bit of an obsession with me, and I had the idea of designing one to look like a deckchair.

The Guardian

So they had the idea of designing a small, cheap computer that they could give to prospective students at open days.

The Guardian - Tech

Ms. Delafosse said she relished the idea of designing something new but that she also like the restrictive challenge of having to create underwear using only swimwear materials.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing design, be specific about which aspect you are referring to (e.g. "the idea of sustainable design" or "the idea of user-centered design") to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "the idea of design" too broadly. Instead, specify the particular design concept or application you're addressing to enhance precision and prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the idea of design" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It serves as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to a conceptual understanding or theoretical framework related to design. Ludwig AI supports this by showcasing various examples where the phrase introduces or frames discussions about design principles.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the idea of design" is a versatile noun phrase that effectively introduces and frames discussions about design concepts, theories, and principles. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news media and scientific publications. While alternatives like "the concept of design" and "design thinking" exist, the specific choice depends on the intended emphasis. When using "the idea of design", consider specifying the particular design aspect to ensure clarity and precision, avoiding overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The concept of design

Focuses on design as a theoretical construct or abstract notion, similar to "the idea of design".

The notion of design

Highlights design as something someone believes.

The principle of design

Emphasizes design as a guiding rule or fundamental basis for creative work.

The philosophy of design

Highlights the underlying beliefs and values that inform design practices.

The theory of design

Refers to design as a structured system of knowledge and principles.

Design thinking

Emphasizes the cognitive processes and methodologies used in design.

Design methodology

Focuses on the specific methods and approaches used in design practice.

Design approach

Refers to a specific way of addressing design challenges.

Conceptual design

Highlights the initial, abstract stage of the design process.

Design intent

Focuses on the intended purpose and goals of a design.

FAQs

How can I use "the idea of design" in a sentence?

You can use "the idea of design" to discuss general design principles or a specific design philosophy. For instance, "The curriculum introduces students to "the idea of design" as a problem-solving tool".

What's a good alternative to "the idea of design"?

Alternatives include "the concept of design", "design thinking", or "the principle of design", depending on the specific context. You could say, "The concept of design is central to this course".

Is there a difference between "the idea of design" and "design thinking"?

"The idea of design" is a broader term referring to the general concept, while "design thinking" specifically refers to a problem-solving approach that emphasizes user needs and iterative prototyping.

When is it appropriate to use "the idea of design" in my writing?

Use "the idea of design" when you want to discuss design in a general, theoretical, or philosophical way. For instance, "The idea of design has evolved significantly over the past century".