The article reviews contemporary schools of design, some of which are criticized for narrowness and an uncertain empirical base. The author then proposes a broader definition of prevention that allows an exploration of how different types of prevention employ design. The article considers the process of crime prevention through design, discussing the difficulties posed by offenders who fight back. An ecological discussion of the issue reveals some parallels between design against crime and other fields. Most of the examples used here illustrate the role of design in preventing theft, burglary, or property damage, as well as disorder, nuisance, and violence in the street and in the workplace. Some crimes, such as domestic violence, are unlikely to be deterred by design. The ultimate purpose of design is to allow managers of high-risk crime environments to shape situations, intervene, and react through both tactical and strategic means. 49 notes