Design software simply means designing software in order to plan and provide a solution to a software problem. Software developers or designers are employed to specifically design a solution plan after the initial specifications of the software are chalked out. Design for software is more of a necessity than option as mere functional software does not necessarily means efficient software. Very often, it is the design that refines its function and determines its utility and production.

Depending on whether the software is automated or semi-automated, design software may range from a simple flow chart, algorithm implementation issues, or a text illustrating sequence of events to a user experience design providing architectural view. In most cases, design software functions as the template for the solution. They take care of the compatibility, extensibility, maintainability, modularity, reliability, usability, packaging, etc. of the software.