Many design error type are repeated in all engineering discipline, though some have quite specific forms, such as bridge collapse through scouring, or process plant accidents due to runaway chemical reactions. Virtually all design errors though are detectable and preventable, once it is recognized that like any human activity, design is subject to errors and failures.

For each error type, the possibilities for avoidance, identification by design review and by error identification are summarized, with detailed description of methods given in Volumes 3 and 4.