Designidé

Designidé is the Danish and Norwegian term for a concept proposed during the design process. It denotes a design-specific idea that outlines a potential solution to a user need, typically focusing on product, service, interface, or environment. A designidé is more concrete than a broad inspiration yet more exploratory than a finished specification. It is used to communicate to clients, teams, and users, serving as a focal point for discussions, evaluation, and iterative development.

Etymology and usage: The word blends design with idé (idea). In Danish, idé is spelled idé; in Norwegian, idé as well. The term reflects a Nordic practice of naming early concepts to facilitate critique and refinement. It is commonly introduced in design education and professional studios as part of the ideation phase and early concept work.

Process and use: In practice, a designidé is developed during brainstorming, concept sketches, mockups, or short narratives that describe how the solution would work, who it would serve, and what it would look like. It is typically subjected to criteria such as relevance to user needs, feasibility of production, and potential impact on stakeholders. Prototypes or visualizations are used to test and communicate the idea.

Variants and related terms: Designkoncept, concept, concept sketch, and prototype are related terms used to distinguish stages from initial idea to developed concept.