design concept; design philosophy
Refers to the fundamental ideas, principles, or guiding philosophy behind a design, whether in engineering, architecture, software, or other creative fields.
The design philosophy of this building is harmony with nature.
We documented the design concept of the new software.
設計 is the act or result of designing; 設計思想 is the underlying philosophy or concept behind that design.
思想 means thought or ideology in a broad sense; 設計思想 specifically applies this to design contexts.
Compound of 設計 (design) and 思想 (thought, philosophy). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term is a straightforward modern compound.