What does redesign mean?
Redesign means to design or plan something anew, normally with changes that affect its appearance, arrangement, or function. It can be used as a verb, as in “They redesigned the product,” or as a noun, as in “The building underwent a complete redesign.” The word suggests more than a superficial touch-up: a redesign often results from reconsidering how something should look, work, or serve its users. It is widely used in business, technology, architecture, engineering, fashion, and public administration, from redesigning a website or mobile app to remodeling a station or improving a product’s packaging. Because the prefix re- indicates doing something again, redesign also carries the idea of revision and deliberate improvement. Its common alternative, revamp, often has a more dynamic or promotional tone, while redesign can sound more neutral and systematic. In general, the term conveys transformation driven by fresh planning rather than merely repairing or repairing what already exists.
To design something again, usually making significant changes to its appearance, structure, arrangement, or function.
"The designers redesigned the backpack to make it lighter and easier to use."
Often transitive, but it can also be used intransitively, as in “The team redesigned after receiving feedback.”
A new or revised design, or the process of creating one.
"The website's redesign improved navigation and accessibility."
Usually countable when referring to a particular revised design: “a redesign,” “the redesign,” “multiple redesigns.”
The plural redesigns refers to multiple new or revised designs or instances of redesigning something.
"The company has produced several redesigns of its classic product."
The prefix re- in redesign suggests a second look: sometimes a fresh appearance is all that changes, while at other times the object’s purpose is completely reconsidered.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does redesign come from?
Redesign was formed in English by combining the prefix re-, meaning again, with design. Design comes through French from the Latin designare, “to mark out, plan, or designate,” ultimately from de- and signum, meaning sign or mark. The prefixed form developed as a modern English compound expressing the redesigning of an existing object, plan, or arrangement.
Related word forms
How redesign is actually used
Redesign is common in formal and informal registers. It usually implies deliberate, noticeable change rather than minor adjustment, and it is frequently used for products, buildings, websites, vehicles, clothing, and systems.
Easily confused with redesign
Redesign generally concerns a new form, appearance, or structure, whereas redefine concerns a new meaning or definition.