Models of the design process: integrating across the disciplines

Abstract Models of the design process in engineering have converged to a consensus, represented for example by the VDI model. However, after starting from common origins, models of the design process in architectural and industrial design have diverged from the engineering consensus, in response to criticisms from both theorists and practitioners. There now appear to be significant differences between the engineering and architectural/industrial design models. Criticisms of the consensus model of engineering design have also been made, in part reflecting the earlier criticisms of architectural and industrial design models. We discuss the similarities and differences between the two consensus models — in engineering and architectural/industrial design — and identify prescriptive versus descriptive emphases. We suggest that attempts should be made to re-integrate the two consensus models, in order to improve education and practice across the disciplines.