The creative process of the design of a single stage transistor amplifier is investigated. The minimum set of specifications is first considered. A procedure for selecting the best topology, element values, and transistor for the given inputs is described. A defense of the search method vs. the method of classical constrained optimization is presented. Resulting from this paper is the computer program CEDESP which takes the minimum data, plus additional optional inputs and sets forth the best design. Since the program is meant for a batch-processing-type computer with no operator interaction, internal decision loops are included which will correct inconsistent data and proceed to the solution.