What has contributed to the increased focus on the term design?

The increased focus on the term design can be attributed to the acknowledgment of design as complementary to traditional planning processes. In modern military operations, the complexity and unpredictability of the environment have necessitated a more adaptive and flexible approach to problem-solving. Design emphasizes understanding the context, exploring various perspectives, and generating innovative solutions, rather than merely following established planning protocols.

This recognition comes from an understanding that design helps to address ambiguous and ill-structured problems that cannot be resolved through traditional planning alone. As military operations have evolved, so has the realization that design thinking can enhance the effectiveness of planning by better integrating analysis, creativity, and collaboration, ultimately leading to more successful outcomes in dynamic operational environments.