Ontwerpveld

Ontwerpveld is a Dutch term that refers to the field or domain of design. It denotes the set of practices, knowledge, and actors involved in conceiving and producing designed artefacts, services, and environments that meet human needs. The concept is used in design theory and education to discuss what design is, how it is done, and how it relates to society.

The ontwerpveld is broad and interdisciplinary. It encompasses product design, graphic design, interaction design, service design, urban and architectural design, and design research. It brings together designers, engineers, researchers, clients, users, and community members who shape and evaluate design outcomes. The field increasingly emphasizes human-centered and participatory approaches, ethical considerations, sustainability, and socio-technical implications.

Design methods commonly associated with the ontwerpveld include design thinking, user-centered design, participatory or co-design, prototyping, scenario planning, and ethnographic observation. Prototyping and iterative testing are central to translating needs into tangible or experiential solutions. The field also engages theoretical questions about invention, value, aesthetics, and the role of design in everyday life and policy.

Education and research within the ontwerpveld are typically housed in design schools and universities. Curricula cover design theory, history, method, and practice, as well as related disciplines such as anthropology, psychology, business, and engineering. Contemporary developments—such as digital transformation, smart products, sustainability, and inclusive design—continue to expand the boundaries and methods of the ontwerpveld.

In English-language contexts, the term is often rendered as “the design field.” In Dutch usage, it emphasizes design as both a professional practice and an area of theoretical inquiry.