The design process used in the development of an improved displacement plow is described. A summary of the methods used to establish the goals of a new design are outlined, as well as the design strategy developed to reach these goals. Preliminary results of the research and experimentation carried on as part of this strategy and the relation to the specific goals of the design process are outlined. The development of an experimental snowplow that serves as a platform to test the design improvements resulting from the research is described in detail.