what is the origin of design?

This is an interesting take.

The link between three intelligences and human’s biological development was momentous and brought about a form of mythological culture with societal norms that reflected the growth of mimetic and symbolic thinking/behaving, mental templates and anticipation of future events based on past experiences — some of the most important cornerstones of design process. Early observation and classification of natural organisms and objects according to their usefulness gave rise to natural intelligence; imitation and manipulation of these objects and organisms allowed for the development of our technical prowess; and finally the desire to control natural objects (i.e. rocks), elements (i.e. fire, water) and processes (i.e. abiotic and biotic decomposition) for the purpose of survival fuelled creativity and symbolic thought. (Taken from Medium)