How to Sign "Design"

Form your non-dominant hand into a flat "B" shape with your palm facing your dominant side and fingers pointing up. Form your dominant hand into a "D" shape, where your index finger points up and your thumb touches your other fingers. Starting near the top of your non-dominant hand, move your dominant hand downwards in a wavy, squiggly motion across the palm.

Examples Using "Design" in a Sentence

1

I love the design of this house.

To sign this, you would sign 'I', 'love', 'this', 'house', and then use the wavy 'D' handshape motion down your flat palm to sign 'design'. Keep your facial expressions positive to show you love it!

2

She is studying graphic design.

Begin by signing 'She', 'study', and 'graphic', then finish the sentence with the sign for 'design' by moving your 'D' hand down your flat palm in a fluid, squiggly motion.

3

Can you design a logo for me?

Sign 'You', 'design' (using the wavy 'D' hand motion), 'logo', 'for', and 'me'. Since this is a yes/no question, remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly while signing.

How to Sign "Design"
Form your non-dominant hand into a flat "B" shape with your palm facing your dominant side and fingers pointing up. Form your dominant hand into a "D" shape, where your index finger points up and your thumb touches your other fingers. Starting near the top of your non-dominant hand, move your dominant hand downwards in a wavy, squiggly motion across the palm.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for "design" is a great example of an initialized sign combined with iconic visual logic. The flat, open non-dominant hand acts as a visual representation of a piece of paper, a canvas, or a drafting board. The dominant hand uses a "D" handshape, which is an initialization standing for the English word "design." The wavy, downward motion across the "canvas" beautifully mimics the physical act of drawing, sketching, or creating a layout, blending English influence with natural ASL visual storytelling.
Signing Tips
When signing "design," imagine your non-dominant hand is a blank canvas or a piece of drafting paper. Keep it perfectly steady and upright to provide a clear surface for your dominant hand. The wavy motion of your dominant "D" handshape should be smooth, fluid, and deliberate, representing the creative process of drawing or drafting a new concept. Make sure your "D" handshape is clearly formed, with the index finger extended and the other fingers forming a neat circle with the thumb, so it isn't confused with similar signs.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make is using a straight downward motion instead of a wavy one. The squiggly, wavy motion is absolutely crucial because it represents the creative drawing process and distinguishes "design" from other signs. Another frequent error is using the wrong handshape, such as an "I" handshape (pinky extended) or just a simple index finger, instead of the specific "D" handshape. Finally, make sure your non-dominant hand stays still; moving both hands can make the sign look messy and confusing.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Design" in a Sentence
1

I love the design of this house.

To sign this, you would sign 'I', 'love', 'this', 'house', and then use the wavy 'D' handshape motion down your flat palm to sign 'design'. Keep your facial expressions positive to show you love it!

2

She is studying graphic design.

Begin by signing 'She', 'study', and 'graphic', then finish the sentence with the sign for 'design' by moving your 'D' hand down your flat palm in a fluid, squiggly motion.

3

Can you design a logo for me?

Sign 'You', 'design' (using the wavy 'D' hand motion), 'logo', 'for', and 'me'. Since this is a yes/no question, remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly while signing.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'design' the same as 'art'?

No, they are distinct signs. While both use the non-dominant hand as a canvas, 'art' uses an 'I' handshape (with the pinky extended) moving in a squiggly line, whereas 'design' specifically uses a 'D' handshape to initialize the word.

Does it matter how many waves I make?

Not exactly, but usually two or three small waves as you move down the palm are perfectly sufficient. The focus should be on the fluid, creative motion rather than counting an exact number of squiggles.

Can I use this sign to mean 'designer'?

To sign 'designer', you need to use a compound sign. First, sign 'design' using the wavy 'D' handshape, and then immediately add the 'person' marker (both flat hands moving straight down parallel to each other) to indicate the individual doing the designing.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!