Devise vs. Design — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 2, 2024
Devise involves planning or inventing with careful thought, while design refers to creating with both function and aesthetics in mind.
Difference Between Devise and Design
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Devise is primarily focused on the conceptualization and planning of ideas or inventions, often involving a process of thinking and problem-solving to come up with a new method, device, or process. It's about the intellectual effort in the creation or planning phase, where the main goal is to solve a specific problem or address a particular need. For example, devising a strategy for a marketing campaign involves considering various factors to achieve a desired outcome. Design, on the other hand, encompasses a broader scope that includes not only the conceptual aspect but also the aesthetic and functional implementation of ideas. It's about bringing concepts to life, considering how they look, feel, and operate. In designing a product, for instance, one must consider its usability, appearance, and how it serves its intended purpose, blending creativity with practicality.
While devising is often an initial step that may lead to the design phase, design involves an additional layer of refinement and development, incorporating elements of form and function. Devising a plan or idea is a crucial first step, but designing is about evolving that idea into a tangible or visually conceptual model that can be implemented or produced.
In terms of outcome, devising typically results in a conceptual plan or idea, which might be abstract or theoretical. Design, however, aims to produce a detailed blueprint or prototype that can be directly used for production or implementation. The transition from devising to designing signifies a move from the abstract to the concrete, where ideas are not only conceived but also visually and physically crafted.
Another distinction lies in the tools and skills required. Devising may rely more on analytical and strategic thinking skills, whereas design demands a combination of creative, technical, and practical skills to bring an idea to fruition. Designers often use specific tools and software to create prototypes or detailed plans, which are not necessarily employed in the devising stage.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Planning or inventing with careful thought.
Creating with consideration for function and aesthetics.
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Focus
Conceptualization and problem-solving.
Aesthetics, functionality, and implementation.
Outcome
Conceptual plan or idea.
Detailed blueprint or prototype.
Skills Required
Analytical and strategic thinking.
Creative, technical, and practical skills.
Tools Used
May not require specific tools.
Often requires design software and tools.
Compare with Definitions
Devise
To plan or invent a complex procedure.
They devised a new way to recycle plastics efficiently.
Design
To create plans for the aesthetic and functional aspects of a product.
She designs clothing that combines comfort with high fashion.
Devise
Inventing with intention but without immediate creation.
She devised a novel approach to teaching mathematics.
Design
The process of making visual or operational plans.
The architect designed a house that is both eco-friendly and modern.
Devise
Creation of ideas or plans in a theoretical manner.
We devised a contingency plan for emergency evacuations.
Design
Implementation of ideas into tangible forms.
They designed a software interface that is user-friendly.
Devise
The act of conceptual planning without execution.
They devised a marketing campaign that focuses on sustainability.
Design
Focusing on the usability and appearance in creation.
The new car model was designed with enhanced safety features.
Devise
Thinking up solutions to problems.
The team devised a strategy to increase market share.
Design
Blending artistry with functionality in creations.
The exhibition showcases designs that are both practical and visually stunning.
Devise
To form, plan, or arrange in the mind; design or contrive
Devised a new system for handling mail orders.
Design
A design is a plan or specification for the construction of an object or system or for the implementation of an activity or process, or the result of that plan or specification in the form of a prototype, product or process. The verb to design expresses the process of developing a design.
Devise
(Law) To transmit or give (real property) by will.
Design
A plan or drawing produced to show the look and function or workings of a building, garment, or other object before it is made
He has just unveiled his design for the new museum
Devise
(Archaic) To suppose; imagine.
Design
A decorative pattern
Pottery with a lovely blue and white design
Devise
The act of transmitting or giving real property by will.
Design
Purpose or planning that exists behind an action, fact, or object
The appearance of design in the universe
Devise
The property or lands so transmitted or given.
Design
Decide upon the look and functioning of (a building, garment, or other object), by making a detailed drawing of it
A number of architectural students were designing a factory
Devise
A will or clause in a will transmitting or giving real property.
Design
To conceive or fashion in the mind; invent
Design a good excuse for not attending the conference.
Devise
(transitive) To use one’s intellect to plan or design (something).
To devise an argument; to devise a machine, or a new system of writing
Design
To formulate a plan for; devise
Designed a marketing strategy for the new product.
Devise
(transitive) To leave (property) in a will.
Design
To make a graphic or schematic representation of (something), especially as a plan for its structure
Design a building on a computer.
Design a new car model.
Devise
To form a scheme; to lay a plan; to contrive; to consider.
Design
To create or contrive for a particular purpose or effect
A game designed to appeal to all ages.
Devise
To plan or scheme for; to plot to obtain.
Design
To have as a goal or purpose; intend
"Mrs. Bennet had designed to keep the two Netherfield gentlemen to supper.
But ... she had no opportunity of detaining them" (Jane Austen).
Devise
(obsolete) To imagine; to guess.
Design
To make or execute plans.
Devise
The act of leaving real property in a will.
Design
To create designs.
Devise
Such a will, or a clause in such a will.
Design
A drawing or sketch.
Devise
The real property left in such a will.
Design
A graphic representation, especially a detailed plan for construction or manufacture.
Devise
Design, devising.
Design
An ornamental pattern.
Devise
To form in the mind by new combinations of ideas, new applications of principles, or new arrangement of parts; to formulate by thought; to contrive; to excogitate; to invent; to plan; to scheme; as, to devise an engine, a new mode of writing, a plan of defense, or an argument.
To devise curious works.
Devising schemes to realize his ambitious views.
Design
The purposeful or inventive arrangement of parts or details
The aerodynamic design of an automobile.
The design of an epic poem.
Devise
To plan or scheme for; to purpose to obtain.
For wisdom is most riches; fools thereforeThey are which fortunes do by vows devise.
Design
A particular plan or method
The party's design for increasing voter turnout.
Devise
To say; to relate; to describe.
Design
The art or practice of designing or making designs
Studied design in college.
Devise
To imagine; to guess.
Design
A reasoned purpose; an intent
It was her design to set up practice on her own as soon as she was qualified.
Devise
To give by will; - used of real estate; formerly, also, of chattels.
Design
Deliberate intention
He became a photographer more by accident than by design.
Devise
To form a scheme; to lay a plan; to contrive; to consider.
I thought, devised, and Pallas heard my prayer.
Design
Often designs A secretive or underhanded plot or scheme
He has designs on my job.
Devise
The act of giving or disposing of real estate by will; - sometimes improperly applied to a bequest of personal estate.
Design
A specification of an object or process, referring to requirements to be satisfied and thus conditions to be met for them to solve a problem.
Devise
A will or testament, conveying real estate; the clause of a will making a gift of real property.
Fines upon devises were still exacted.
Design
A plan (with more or less detail) for the structure and functions of an artifact, building or system.
The initial design of the park was rejected for being too expensive.
Devise
Property devised, or given by will.
Design
A pattern, as an element of a work of art or architecture.
We're working on some new designs for our range of summer shirts
Devise
Device. See Device.
Design
The composition of a work of art.
Devise
A will disposing of real property
Design
Intention or plot.
We have designs on winning the league next season.
To be hateful of the truth by design.
Devise
(law) a gift of real property by will
Design
(particularly) Malicious or malevolent intention.
To have evil designs.
Devise
Come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or priciple) after a mental effort;
Excogitate a way to measure the speed of light
Design
The shape or appearance given to an object, especially one that is intended to make it more attractive.
Devise
Arrange by systematic planning and united effort;
Machinate a plot
Organize a strike
Devise a plan to take over the director's office
Design
The art of designing
Danish furniture design is world-famous.
Devise
Give by will, especially real property
Design
(transitive) To plan and carry out (a picture, work of art, construction etc.).
Design
To plan (to do something).
The king designed to mount an expedition to the New World.
Design
To assign, appoint (something to someone); to designate.
Design
To mark out and exhibit; to designate; to indicate; to show; to point out; to appoint.
Design
To manifest requirements to be satisfied by an object or process for them to solve a problem.
Design
To draw preliminary outline or main features of; to sketch for a pattern or model; to delineate; to trace out; to draw.
Design
To mark out and exhibit; to designate; to indicate; to show; to point out; to appoint.
We shall seeJustice design the victor's chivalry.
Meet me to-morrow where the masterAnd this fraternity shall design.
Design
To create or produce, as a work of art; to form a plan or scheme of; to form in idea; to invent; to project; to lay out in the mind; as, a man designs an essay, a poem, a statue, or a cathedral.
Design
To intend or purpose; - usually with for before the remote object, but sometimes with to.
Ask of politicians the end for which laws were originally designed.
He was designed to the study of the law.
Design
To form a design or designs; to plan.
Design
A preliminary sketch; an outline or pattern of the main features of something to be executed, as of a picture, a building, or a decoration; a delineation; a plan.
Design
A plan or scheme formed in the mind of something to be done; preliminary conception; idea intended to be expressed in a visible form or carried into action; intention; purpose; - often used in a bad sense for evil intention or purpose; scheme; plot.
The vast design and purpos of the King.
The leaders of that assembly who withstood the designs of a besotted woman.
A . . . settled design upon another man's life.
How little he could guess the secret designs of the court!
Design
Specifically, intention or purpose as revealed or inferred from the adaptation of means to an end; as, the argument from design.
Design
The realization of an inventive or decorative plan; esp., a work of decorative art considered as a new creation; conception or plan shown in completed work; as, this carved panel is a fine design, or of a fine design.
Design
The invention and conduct of the subject; the disposition of every part, and the general order of the whole.
Is he a prudent man . . . that lays designs only for a day, without any prospect to the remaining part of his life?
I wish others the same intention, and greater successes.
It is the purpose that makes strong the vow.
Design
The act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan);
He contributed to the design of a new instrument
Design
An arrangement scheme;
The awkward design of the keyboard made operation difficult
It was an excellent design for living
A plan for seating guests
Design
Something intended as a guide for making something else;
A blueprint for a house
A pattern for a skirt
Design
A decorative or artistic work;
The coach had a design on the doors
Design
An anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions;
His intent was to provide a new translation
Good intentions are not enough
It was created with the conscious aim of answering immediate needs
He made no secret of his designs
Design
A preliminary sketch indicating the plan for something;
The design of a building
Design
The creation of something in the mind
Design
Make or work out a plan for; devise;
They contrived to murder their boss
Design a new sales strategy
Plan an attack
Design
Design something for a specific role or purpose or effect;
This room is not designed for work
Design
Create the design for; create or execute in an artistic or highly skilled manner;
Chanel designed the famous suit
Design
Make a design of; plan out in systematic, often graphic form;
Design a better mousetrap
Plan the new wing of the museum
Design
Create designs;
Dupont designs for the house of Chanel
Design
Conceive or fashion in the mind; invent;
She designed a good excuse for not attending classes that day
Design
Intend or have as a purpose;
She designed to go far in the world of business
Common Curiosities
Why is devising important?
Devising is crucial for conceptualizing and planning innovative solutions or strategies, laying the groundwork for further development or design.
What is involved in designing a product?
Designing a product involves creating a plan that includes both the aesthetic and functional aspects, ensuring it is both appealing and practical.
How do aesthetics play into designing?
Aesthetics are central to design, as they determine how appealing and user-friendly a product or system will be to its intended audience.
Can you devise and design at the same time?
While devising and designing are distinct processes, they often overlap; devising can lead to the initial concept, which is then fleshed out through design.
What skills are needed for designing?
Designing requires a mix of creative, technical, and practical skills to create products, systems, or structures that are functional and aesthetically pleasing.
What tools are commonly used in designing?
Designers often use specialized software for graphics, CAD for engineering, and other tools tailored to their specific field.
What is the role of technology in designing?
Technology plays a pivotal role in designing, offering tools that enhance creativity, precision, and the ability to visualize and test designs.
How do cultural factors influence design?
Cultural factors can greatly influence design choices, affecting aesthetics, functionality, and even the conceptualization of products.
What does it mean to devise something?
To devise means to plan or invent something through careful thought, focusing on the conceptual and strategic aspects.
How does one transition from devising to designing?
The transition involves moving from conceptual planning to the practical application, where ideas are developed into detailed plans or prototypes.
Is devising limited to physical products?
No, devising can apply to a wide range of outcomes, including strategies, methods, and systems, not just physical products.
Can a design exist without first devising?
While possible, effective designs usually stem from a well-devised plan or concept, ensuring that the final product meets its intended purpose and needs.
How does feedback influence the design process?
Feedback is crucial for refining designs, ensuring they meet user needs and preferences, and often leads to revisions in the design plan.
Can design principles be applied to devising strategies?
Yes, design thinking principles, such as empathy and experimentation, can enhance the devising of strategies by focusing on user-centered solutions.
Is devising more important than designing, or vice versa?
Neither is more important; both are essential steps in the creation process, each with its unique focus and contribution.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
