'design-focused' originates from the English words 'design' and 'focus,' where 'design' meant 'a plan or drawing produced to show the look and function of a building, garment, or other object before it is made,' and 'focus' meant 'the center of interest or activity.'

'design' and 'focus' were combined in modern English to form the compound adjective 'design-focused.'

Initially, 'design' and 'focus' had separate meanings, but together they evolved to describe a concentrated emphasis on design aspects.