The ArtistDesign NoE is the visible result of the ongoing integration of a community, that emerged through the Artist FP5 Accompanying Measure and that was organised through the Artist2 FP6 NoE.The central objective for ArtistDesign is to build on existing structures and links forged in Artist2, to become a virtual Center of Excellence in Embedded Systems Design. This will be mainly achieved through tight integration between the central players of the European research community. Also, the consortium is smaller, and integrates several new partners. These teams have already established a long-term vision for embedded systems in Europe, which advances the emergence of Embedded Systems as a mature discipline.ArtistDesign will become the main focal point for dissemination in Embedded Systems Design, leveraging on well-established infrastructure and links, such as a web portal and newsletter. It will extend its dissemination activities, including Education and Training, Industrial Applications, as well as International Collaboration. ArtistDesign will establish durable relationships with industry and SMEs in the area, especially through ARTEMISIA/ARTEMIS.ArtistDesign will build on existing international visibility and recognition, to play a leading role in structuring the area.The research effort aims to integrate topics, teams, and competencies, grouped into 4 Thematic Clusters: "Modelling and Validation", "Software Synthesis, Code Generation, and Timing Analysis", "Operating Systems and Networks", "Platforms and MPSoC". "Transversal Integration" covering both industrial applications and design issues aims for integration between clusters.ArtistDesign has defined a four-year workprogramme, with a strong commitment to integration and sustainability. To achieve the aims, the estimated support from the EC is approximately 4.5 MEuros. This support is a very small proportion of the overall investment by the core partners.