contrivance vs design

contrivance

noun
  • A means, such as an elaborate plan or strategy, to accomplish a certain objective. 

  • Something overly artful or artificial. 

  • A (mechanical) device to perform a certain task. 

design

noun
  • A plan (with more or less detail) for the structure and functions of an artifact, building or system. 

  • A pattern, as an element of a work of art or architecture. 

  • The art of designing 

  • The shape or appearance given to an object, especially one that is intended to make it more attractive. 

  • The composition of a work of art. 

  • Malicious or malevolent intention. 

  • A specification of an object or process, referring to requirements to be satisfied and thus conditions to be met for them to solve a problem. 

  • Intention or plot. 

verb
  • To plan and carry out (a picture, work of art, construction etc.). 

  • To manifest requirements to be satisfied by an object or process for them to solve a problem. 

How often have the words contrivance and design occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )