Design vs. Scheme: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on January 21, 2024
Design refers to a plan or drawing produced to show the look and function of something, while scheme is a systematic plan or arrangement for a particular purpose.
Difference Between Design and Scheme
Design and scheme are terms often utilized in planning and organizing processes. However, the essence of these two words varies. Design usually pertains to the creation or arrangement of something with a particular appearance or function in mind. It's a tangible representation or plan that prioritizes aesthetics, functionality, and user experience. For instance, architects create designs for buildings, while graphic artists make designs for websites or logos.
Muazma Batool
Jan 21, 2024
Scheme, in contrast, embodies a broader plan or strategy, focusing more on the systematic arrangement or method to achieve a specific goal. It's not always visually represented, unlike design. A scheme can be a strategy for a business, a plot in a narrative, or even a color combination for an art project. When one schemes, they're devising a structured plan, not always centered around aesthetic considerations.
Muneeza Rehman
Jan 21, 2024
When speaking of projects or developments, a design might refer to the blueprint or visual representation of what's to be created or built. It provides a snapshot of how something will appear and work. On the other hand, a scheme might represent the overarching plan or strategy on which the project is based, encompassing steps, timelines, and objectives.
Muazma Batool
Jan 21, 2024
In more colloquial uses, design often retains its emphasis on visuals and aesthetics. One might compliment the "design" of a well-made tool or piece of furniture. Scheme, conversely, can sometimes have a negative connotation, as in "nefarious schemes," suggesting deception or ulterior motives. However, it's essential to note that "scheme" can also be neutral or positive, depending on its context.
Kaitlyn
Jan 21, 2024
Design vs. Scheme Comparison Chart
Definition
A visual plan or representation.
A systematic plan or arrangement.
Muazma Batool
Jan 21, 2024
Common Usage
Architectural blueprints, logos.
Business strategies, color combinations.
Muneeza Rehman
Jan 21, 2024
Context
Physical and digital creations.
Strategic planning, narrative plotting.
Muneeza Rehman
Jan 21, 2024
Design vs. Scheme Definitions
◉Design
A plan or drawing produced to show appearance or function.
The architect showcased his new design for the museum.
Levi
Sep 16, 2023
◉Scheme
A systematic plan or arrangement for a specific purpose.
He proposed a new scheme to boost sales.
Elijah
Sep 16, 2023
◉Design
An arrangement of elements in a particular form or style.
The design of the dress was intricate and beautiful.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
◉Scheme
An elaborate and systematic strategy.
Her scheme to rebrand the company was ambitious.
William
Sep 16, 2023
◉Design
The art of conceptualizing and creating something.
She studied design at the university.
Leo
Sep 16, 2023
◉Scheme
An official plan or program of action.
The government launched a housing scheme.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
◉Design
To conceive or fashion in the mind; invent
design a good excuse for not attending the conference.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Scheme
A systematic plan of action
"Did you ever carry out your scheme of writing a series of sonnets embodying all the great epochs of art?" (Edith Wharton).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
To formulate a plan for; devise
designed a marketing strategy for the new product.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
To make a graphic or schematic representation of (something), especially as a plan for its structure
design a building on a computer.
design a new car model.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Scheme
An orderly plan or arrangement of related parts
an irrigation scheme with dams, reservoirs, and channels.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
To create or contrive for a particular purpose or effect
a game designed to appeal to all ages.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
To have as a goal or purpose; intend
"Mrs. Bennet had designed to keep the two Netherfield gentlemen to supper.
but ... she had no opportunity of detaining them" (Jane Austen).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Scheme
(astrology) A representation of the aspects of the celestial bodies for any moment or at a given event.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
A graphic representation, especially a detailed plan for construction or manufacture.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
The purposeful or inventive arrangement of parts or details
the aerodynamic design of an automobile.
the design of an epic poem.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
A particular plan or method
the party's design for increasing voter turnout.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
The art or practice of designing or making designs
studied design in college.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Scheme
(mathematics) A mathematical structure that enlarges the notion of algebraic variety in several ways, such as taking account of multiplicities and allowing "varieties" defined over any commutative ring (e.g. Fermat curves over the integers).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
A reasoned purpose; an intent
It was her design to set up practice on her own as soon as she was qualified.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
Deliberate intention
He became a photographer more by accident than by design.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Scheme
(internet) Part of a uniform resource identifier indicating the protocol or other purpose, such as
http: or news:.Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
often designs A secretive or underhanded plot or scheme
He has designs on my job.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Scheme
A portfolio of pension plans with related benefits comprising multiple independent members.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
A specification of an object or process, referring to requirements to be satisfied and thus conditions to be met for them to solve a problem.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
A plan (with more or less detail) for the structure and functions of an artifact, building or system.
The initial design of the park was rejected for being too expensive.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
A pattern, as an element of a work of art or architecture.
We're working on some new designs for our range of summer shirts
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Scheme
A combination of things connected and adjusted by design; a system.
The appearance and outward scheme of things.
Such a scheme of things as shall at once take in time and eternity.
Arguments . . . sufficient to support and demonstrate a whole scheme of moral philosophy.
The Revolution came and changed his whole scheme of life.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Scheme
A plan or theory something to be done; a design; a project; as, to form a scheme.
The stoical scheme of supplying our wants by lopping off our desires, is like cutting off our feet when we want shoes.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
Intention or plot.
We have designs on winning the league next season.
To be hateful of the truth by design.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Scheme
Any lineal or mathematical diagram; an outline.
To draw an exact scheme of Constantinople, or a map of France.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
(particularly) Malicious or malevolent intention.
To have evil designs.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Scheme
A representation of the aspects of the celestial bodies for any moment or at a given event.
A blue silk case, from which was drawn a scheme of nativity.
He forms the well-concerted scheme of mischief;'T is fixed, 't is done, and both are doomed to death.
Artists and plans relieved my solemn hours;I founded palaces, and planted bowers.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
The shape or appearance given to an object, especially one that is intended to make it more attractive.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Scheme
To make a scheme of; to plan; to design; to project; to plot.
That wickedness which schemed, and executed, his destruction.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
(transitive) To plan and carry out (a picture, work of art, construction etc.).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
To plan (to do something).
The king designed to mount an expedition to the New World.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Scheme
a group of independent but interrelated elements comprising a unified whole;
a vast system of production and distribution and consumption keep the country going
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
To mark out and exhibit; to designate; to indicate; to show; to point out; to appoint.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Scheme
an internal representation of the world; an organization of concepts and actions that can be revised by new information about the world
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
To manifest requirements to be satisfied by an object or process for them to solve a problem.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
To draw preliminary outline or main features of; to sketch for a pattern or model; to delineate; to trace out; to draw.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
To mark out and exhibit; to designate; to indicate; to show; to point out; to appoint.
We shall seeJustice design the victor's chivalry.
Meet me to-morrow where the masterAnd this fraternity shall design.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
To create or produce, as a work of art; to form a plan or scheme of; to form in idea; to invent; to project; to lay out in the mind; as, a man designs an essay, a poem, a statue, or a cathedral.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Scheme
A design or plan formed in the mind.
The villain's evil scheme was thwarted by the hero.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
◉Design
To intend or purpose; - usually with for before the remote object, but sometimes with to.
Ask of politicians the end for which laws were originally designed.
He was designed to the study of the law.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Scheme
A structured system or method of operation.
The new filing scheme made document retrieval easier.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
◉Design
A preliminary sketch; an outline or pattern of the main features of something to be executed, as of a picture, a building, or a decoration; a delineation; a plan.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
A plan or scheme formed in the mind of something to be done; preliminary conception; idea intended to be expressed in a visible form or carried into action; intention; purpose; - often used in a bad sense for evil intention or purpose; scheme; plot.
The vast design and purpos of the King.
The leaders of that assembly who withstood the designs of a besotted woman.
A . . . settled design upon another man's life.
How little he could guess the secret designs of the court!
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
Specifically, intention or purpose as revealed or inferred from the adaptation of means to an end; as, the argument from design.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
The realization of an inventive or decorative plan; esp., a work of decorative art considered as a new creation; conception or plan shown in completed work; as, this carved panel is a fine design, or of a fine design.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
The invention and conduct of the subject; the disposition of every part, and the general order of the whole.
Is he a prudent man . . . that lays designs only for a day, without any prospect to the remaining part of his life?
I wish others the same intention, and greater successes.
It is the purpose that makes strong the vow.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
the act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan);
he contributed to the design of a new instrument
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
an arrangement scheme;
the awkward design of the keyboard made operation difficult
it was an excellent design for living
a plan for seating guests
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
something intended as a guide for making something else;
a blueprint for a house
a pattern for a skirt
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions;
his intent was to provide a new translation
good intentions are not enough
it was created with the conscious aim of answering immediate needs
he made no secret of his designs
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
a preliminary sketch indicating the plan for something;
the design of a building
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
make or work out a plan for; devise;
They contrived to murder their boss
design a new sales strategy
plan an attack
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
design something for a specific role or purpose or effect;
This room is not designed for work
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
create the design for; create or execute in an artistic or highly skilled manner;
Chanel designed the famous suit
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
make a design of; plan out in systematic, often graphic form;
design a better mousetrap
plan the new wing of the museum
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
conceive or fashion in the mind; invent;
She designed a good excuse for not attending classes that day
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
intend or have as a purpose;
She designed to go far in the world of business
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Design
A strategic approach towards achieving something.
The company's design for growth was clear and actionable.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
◉Design
A purpose, planning, or intention behind an action or object.
The car was of a robust design, meant for long journeys.
Nolan
Sep 16, 2023
Design vs. Scheme Frequently Asked Questions
Can scheme mean a deceptive plan?
Yes, scheme can refer to a plan, especially one that's secretive or dishonest.
Muneeza Rehman
Jan 21, 2024
Which term is more visually oriented?
Design is generally more visually oriented, emphasizing appearance and function.
Jonathan
Jan 21, 2024
Can a room have both design and scheme elements?
Yes, a room's interior design dictates appearance, while a color scheme directs its color coordination.
Muneeza Rehman
Jan 21, 2024
Which term is broader in planning: design or scheme?
Scheme often encompasses a broader or more systematic plan.
Muneeza Rehman
Jan 21, 2024
Is design always about visual elements?
Mostly, but design can also refer to planning or intention behind something.
William
Jan 21, 2024
How does design relate to aesthetics?
Design emphasizes the visual and functional appeal of something.
Muazma Batool
Jan 21, 2024
Would a business use design or scheme for its growth strategy?
Both can be used; "design" focusing on the method and appearance, "scheme" on the overarching plan.
Muazma Batool
Jan 21, 2024
Can scheme refer to color coordination?
Yes, as in a "color scheme" for a room or artwork.
William
Jan 21, 2024
Can you have a design within a scheme?
Yes, a scheme might have various designs as part of its broader plan.
Kaitlyn
Jan 21, 2024
In which contexts might scheme have a negative connotation?
When referring to secretive, dishonest, or deceptive plans.
Lucas
Jan 21, 2024
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
