The knowledge associated with a thing.

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For example in science we have the domains of chemistry, physics and biology. For example an inventory system incorporates lots of knowledge about inventories, such as stock numbers, reorder levels, suppliers, cost, etc. At the lowest level every noun can be considered a domain.

Domains overlap. They can be hierarchically organized, such as the Dewey Decimal System or biology's tree of classification. Every system has domain knowledge represent in it. Every problem requires understanding of domain knowledge to solve it.

Domains are important to understanding. The organization of knowledge into proper domains parallels the progress of science.

The concept of domains is important to a designer. All designers work in domains they are familiar with. As they encounter each design problem, they ask themselves (consciously or not) "How much more do I need to know about this domain to solve the problem?" Further domain knowledge can be extracted from the customer, literature, other people, etc.

See domain neutral.

Always know or control what domain a concept includes.