A focal point for a range of controversies, in terms of:

• “what design is”
• how it is done
• who is in charge of both the process and outcomes
• and what is its purpose.

Design also has a double aspect in that the same questions asked of it can also be asked of what it produces and renders.

The origins of the verb design, suggest a “cutting out” (“to mark out”) from numerous and perhaps nebulous possibilities, a plan, plot, designation of something contrived for a purpose….

“late 14c., “to make, shape,” ultimately from Latin designare “mark out, point out; devise; choose, designate, appoint,” from de “out” (see de-) + signare “to mark,” from signum “identifying mark, sign” (see sign (n.)).

The Italian verb disegnare in 16c. developed the senses “to contrive, plot, intend,” and “to draw, paint, embroider, etc.” French took both these senses from Italian, in different forms, and passed them on to English, which uses design in all senses.”

https://www.etymonline.com/word/design#:~:text=The%20Italian%20verb%20disegnare%20in%2016c.%20developed%20the,to%20English%2C%20which%20uses%20design%20in%20all%20senses

The noun has greater mysteries: “1580s, “a scheme or plan in the mind,” from French desseign, desseing “purpose, project, design,” from the verb in French (see design (v.)). Especially “an intention to act in some particular way,” often to do something harmful or illegal (1704); compare designing. Meaning “adoption of means to an end” is from 1660s”

To do something harmful and illegal, “to have designs on someone” or “something”? A secret plan….

More….

From Wikapedia: