omdesign

Omdesign is a term occasionally used in design discourse to describe a design approach that emphasizes mindfulness, simplicity, and user well-being within the practice of design. The word combines Om, the sacred syllable associated with meditation and mindfulness, with design. It is not an official discipline or standardized methodology, but a descriptor used by some practitioners to signal an emphasis on reducing cognitive load, promoting calm user experiences, and designing ethically and sustainably.

Principles commonly associated with omdesign include clarity and restraint in visual language, performance and accessibility optimization, and sensitivity to context. Interfaces designed with this ethos aim for minimal distraction, predictable behavior, and the ability for users to disengage from technology when needed. The approach often intersects with mindful technology, human-centered design, and ethical design practices.

Applications span digital products, physical products, and built environments where user well-being and mental ease are valued, such as health and educational apps, consumer electronics, and workspaces. Critics note that omdesign can be vague or marketing-driven if not anchored in concrete outcomes, and warn against overemphasizing mood without measurable impact.

As a term, omdesign lacks formal standardization and is used variably across organizations. It may appear in design blogs, talks, and within studios that seek to frame their work around user well-being and simplicity. See also mindful design, humane tech, and user experience design.