designsthat

Designsthat is a term used in design discourse to describe a class of approaches that foreground the connection between design decisions and their outcomes in use. The term is not tied to a single methodology; rather it denotes a mindset that designers should articulate rationale, test assumptions, and measure impact across usability, accessibility, performance, and sustainability. Proponents view designsthat as a bridge between ideation and evidence, emphasizing documentation of choices and results throughout the design process.

Core principles commonly associated with designsthat include documenting decision rationales, involving users and stakeholders, iterative prototyping and testing, and selecting metrics that reflect stated goals. It also emphasizes accessibility and inclusivity, environmental considerations, transparent communication of results, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Tools used may range from design audits and usability tests to data-informed roadmaps and post-implementation reviews.

In practice, designsthat can apply to product design, digital interfaces, service design, urban planning, and educational materials. Teams often implement it through structured design records, short feedback cycles, and alignment of design work with measurable user outcomes rather than solely with aesthetic or speculative criteria.

Critiques of the term warn that it can become vague without specific metrics or governance. Effectiveness depends on selecting meaningful measures and balancing quantitative data with qualitative insight, as well as ensuring organizational support for documenting decisions and tracking outcomes over time.

See also: design thinking, user-centered design, evidence-based design, and participatory design.