What is a goal in the context of planning and design?

In the context of planning and design, a goal represents a general statement of intent that guides the overall direction of the project. It outlines what the designer or planner aims to achieve without delving into specific metrics or outcomes. Goals serve as a foundational element in any design process, providing a vision that informs decisions, priorities, and strategies throughout the project. They help to establish the broader aspirations of the design rather than quantifiable metrics or specific actions.

While specific measurable outcomes may align with more detailed objectives or targets, and methods for evaluating success can be crucial in assessing progress, these elements focus on narrower aspects of the planning and design process. A detailed report of findings, meanwhile, captures the results or conclusions after the design process has concluded, which is distinct from setting the initial intent or purpose of the project.

Thus, defining a goal as a general statement of intent is essential, as it encapsulates the purpose and direction for a planning and design endeavor, guiding all subsequent efforts toward achieving that vision.