设计 (shèjì)

设计 describes the intentional creation of a plan, structure, or aesthetic for a product, system, or experience, and works as both verb and noun.

Meanings

[verb] To design, to plan, to devise (a product, system, or scheme).
[noun] Design, a design, a plan.

Example Sentences

这款手机的外观设计简洁大方，深受年轻消费者的喜爱。 Zhè kuǎn shǒujī de wàiguān shèjì jiǎnjié dàfāng, shēn shòu niánqīng xiāofèizhě de xǐ'ài. The appearance design of this phone is sleek and elegant, and is very popular among young consumers.

建筑师花了整整三年时间来设计这座融合传统与现代元素的博物馆。 Jiànzhùshī huā le zhěngzhěng sān nián shíjiān lái shèjì zhè zuò rónghé chuántǒng yǔ xiàndài yuánsù de bówùguǎn. The architect spent three full years designing this museum that integrates traditional and modern elements.

这套课程是专门为有一定英语基础的成年学习者设计的。 Zhè tào kèchéng shì zhuānmén wèi yǒu yīdìng yīngyǔ jīchǔ de chéngnián xuéxí zhě shèjì de. This curriculum was specifically designed for adult learners who already have some foundation in English.

好的用户界面设计能够大幅降低用户的学习成本，提升使用体验。 Hǎo de yònghù jièmiàn shèjì nénggòu dàfú jiàngdī yònghù de xuéxí chéngběn, tíshēng shǐyòng tǐyàn. Good user interface design can significantly reduce users' learning costs and enhance the user experience.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
设计方案	design plan / scheme
平面设计	graphic design
工业设计	industrial design
精心设计	carefully designed
设计师	designer

Usage Notes

设计 is used broadly for both visual/aesthetic design and conceptual planning. 设计师 is the standard word for designer across all fields. When used as a verb it takes a direct object: 设计产品 (design a product), 设计方案 (devise a plan). A subtle negative use: 设计陷阱 or 精心设计的骗局 means to "scheme" or "set a trap" — the word can carry a manipulative connotation in negative contexts.

Memory Hook

设 means "to set up/establish" and 计 means "to calculate/plan" — setting up a plan through careful calculation is the essence of design.