The article explores the concept of “openness” in the design field. In particular, it suggests a broad interpretation of the relationship between “openness” and design by analyzing the use of the expression “open design” between 2000 and 2017. This expression is related to words such as, co-design, crowdsourcing, open innovation, making and open manufacturing, which can be synthesized by the concepts of open source, collaboration, and access. The article finally expresses, through a critical point of view, the reasons why open processes in design have limitations.