originaldesignen

Originaldesignen is a term used in design discourse to describe the act or quality of creating original, non-derivative designs. It is often used in Dutch- and English-language online communities to discuss creativity and innovation in design practice. The term is a neologism formed by combining original with designen, a Dutch-inflected form of to design. It is not tied to a single organization and has no formal certification.

In practical use, originaldesignen encompasses the early stages of concept generation, research, and iterative development aimed at producing distinctive concepts, materials, or interfaces. Proponents view it as a standard for evaluating work beyond aesthetic appeal, emphasizing provenance, problem framing, and user-centered insight. The concept may be accompanied by practices such as documenting design processes, distinguishing between inspiration and copying, and providing proper attribution.

Critics note that a strict focus on originality can undervalue refinement, useful reuse, or collaborative processes. They also caution that what counts as original can be subjective and culturally contingent, and that overemphasis on novelty may hinder practical efficiency or accessibility.

In education and industry, discussions of originaldesignen appear in ethics discussions, originality metrics, and design-thinking curricula. The term serves more as a guiding principle or evaluative criterion than as a formal standard, helping to frame conversations about what counts as innovative and responsible design.