About
designdefinitions.io
Our personal definitions of words subtly yet profoundly shape how we perceive the world—and design is no exception. The way we define “design” influences not only our individual perspectives but also how we approach our work, collaborate with others, and push the boundaries of our craft.
A shared definition of design has the power to create a common foundation, fostering greater understanding and alignment across diverse disciplines and teams. When we operate with different definitions of the same concept, it can lead to misaligned goals, fragmented efforts, and missed opportunities for innovation. Conversely, a shared understanding enables more cohesive collaboration, amplifies creative potential, and propels the field forward.
Design, as a practice, is inherently dynamic and multifaceted, shaping every human-made object, system, environment, and experience. Much like language, its definitions evolve over time, shaped by cultural, technological, and social contexts. Recognizing and reflecting upon these definitions allows us to not only appreciate design’s complexity but also to refine and expand our collective perspective.
I created designdefinitions.io to explore and challenge how we define design—moving beyond semantic superficialities and catch-all terms like “delightful,” “human-centered,” and “intuitive.” By fostering a shared language of design, we open the door to richer conversations, stronger partnerships, and new possibilities. A common understanding doesn’t just make collaboration smoother—it actively shapes the future of the discipline, enabling us to create with greater clarity, purpose, and impact.
The Maker
designdefinitions.io is a project by Michael R. Yap, an avid collector of typefaces, museum gift shop mugs, and design definitions. He is a product designer and maker of fine leather goods. To learn more about his product design work, visit his website. To shop his handcrafted goods, visit his Etsy shop.
Some of art and design books the author has drawn definitions from over the years.