Definition and Purpose of Design

Around us, there are many designed objects: smartphones, chairs, websites, logos, packaging… all of these can be called design.

However, when asked “What is design?”, it’s not easy to answer immediately.

Some people may confuse it with art or think it’s simply “making things look good.”

In this article, we will explain the definition and purpose of design.

We will also touch on the difference between art and design.

Definition and Purpose of Design

Let’s consider a chair as an example.

Before chairs existed, people sat directly on the ground and probably thought:

“My bottom hurts.”
“If I sit for a long time, my knees and back hurt.”

At that point, I might have thought, “I’ll make a wooden seat and add a wooden backrest!” and thus created a chair.

I believe this is design.

In other words, I think the definition of design is
to intentionally plan and create in order to achieve a specific goal.

Having defined it, let’s broadly categorize the purposes of design.

Problem Solving

As mentioned above, the most important purpose of design is
to solve problems.

Example:

• Smartphone design → balancing portability and functionality
• Website design → findability of information and usability
• Chair design → comfort and durability

Enhancing User Experience

Design improves the overall experience users perceive.

• Intuitive interactions
• A stress-free user experience
• Providing enjoyment and satisfaction

Enhancing Brand Value

Design also plays a role in enhancing a brand’s value and impression.

• Conveying reliability
• Expressing the brand’s personality
• Achieving differentiation

Communication

Design effectively communicates information and emotions.

• Organizing visual information
• Emotional appeal
• Improving clarity

Three Important Elements in Design

Design involves three important elements, and
it is crucial to optimize these elements within various constraints.

1. Functionality (Function): the ability to fulfill its purpose
2. Aesthetics: visual appeal
3. Usability: ease of use and understandability

Difference between Art and Design

Next, let’s consider the differences between art and design.

Item	Art	Design
Purpose	Self-expression, emotional expression	Problem-solving, achieving specific goals
Audience	The artist and viewers	Users and clients
Evaluation	Subjective, artistic value	Objective, functionality and effectiveness
Constraints	Unlimited expression	Budget, technology, time, requirements
Outcome	Open to interpretation by viewers	Achievement of clear objectives

In other words, the difference between design and art is
whether it is ‘solving problems’ or ‘self-expression/emotional expression’.

However, design and art are not completely separate—they often merge, and that fusion can result in the best design.

Concrete Examples of the Differences

Examples of Art:

• A painting by an artist expressing their emotions
• An abstract work open to the viewer’s interpretation
• Expression of the creator’s inner world
• Raising social issues

Examples of Design:

• A user-friendly website
• A chair that balances functionality and aesthetics
• A logo that effectively communicates information

Importance of Design

Finally, let’s think about the importance of design in business and society.

Importance in Business

• Competitive Advantage: achieving differentiation
• User Satisfaction: improving customer satisfaction
• Efficiency: improving operational efficiency through usability

Importance in Society

• Accessibility: design that is easy to use for everyone
• Sustainability: environmentally conscious design
• Cultural Value: expression of local and cultural identity

Conclusion

Let’s summarize the contents of this article.

This is the author’s interpretation, and I hope you find it helpful.