Design Patterns Question:

A design pattern is a general reusable solution to a
commonly occurring problem in software design. A design
pattern is not a finished design that can be transformed
directly into code. It is a description or template for how
to solve a problem that can be used in many different
situations. Object-oriented design patterns typically show
relationships and interactions between classes or objects,
without specifying the final application classes or objects
that are involved.

Design patterns reside in the domain of modules and
interconnections. At a higher level there are Architectural
patterns that are larger in scope, usually describing an
overall pattern followed by an entire system.