ad-hoc design

[/ˌæd ˈhɑːk dɪˈzaɪn/]
nounpl: ad-hoc designs
design ad-hoc
1. A design approach created for a specific purpose or problem without following a structured, predetermined plan or framework
The team implemented an ad-hoc design to quickly solve the immediate software issue.
A equipe implementou um design ad-hoc para resolver rapidamente o problema imediato do software.
2. An improvised or temporary design solution developed without systematic planning or standardized methodology
The ad-hoc design worked for now, but we need a more permanent solution.
O design ad-hoc funcionou por enquanto, mas precisamos de uma solução mais permanente.
3. In software engineering, a design that addresses immediate needs without consideration for scalability or future requirements
The database schema was an ad-hoc design that eventually became difficult to maintain.
O esquema do banco de dados era um design ad-hoc que eventualmente se tornou difícil de manter.
In both Brazilian and American tech cultures, 'ad-hoc design' carries connotations of pragmatism and flexibility, often viewed as a necessary evil in startup environments or under tight deadlines. However, it can also be criticized in enterprise settings where scalability and maintainability are prioritized. The term reflects the tension between rapid prototyping and long-term software quality.
NYC Slang
quick-and-dirty design; Band-Aid solution
Synonyms / Sinônimos
improvised designtemporary designquick-fix designpragmatic designon-the-fly design
Antonyms / Antônimos
systematic designplanned designstrategic designarchitectural designcomprehensive design

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
design ad-hoc
Most common term in Brazilian tech and design communities
São Paulo
design de improviso / solução rápida
Alternative expressions sometimes used in business contexts
Rio de Janeiro
design ad-hoc / jogo de cintura
Colloquial term 'jogo de cintura' (flexibility/adaptability) may be used informally
Portugal
design ad-hoc / desenho improvável
European Portuguese may use 'desenho' instead of 'design' in formal contexts

Related Words

ad-hoc solutiondesign patternsoftware architecturedesign methodologyprototyping

Related Idioms & Phrases

on-the-fly design
seat-of-the-pants design
Band-Aid fix
make it up as you go
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