[Will]

My designs vary a lot, depending on the opponents I'm facing at the time in the game. However, in standard-tech SEIV, I generally go with max engines, multiplex/sensors/ecm, one shield, max out on weapons. My philosophy is usually build a whole lot of disposable ships that will do a lot of damage, probably why I usually don't build bigger than Battleships.

When I do build bigger than battleships, they're (usually) more balanced with offense and defense. I'll usually throw in an engine-killer and weapon-killer as well. I've found that those often help quite a bit in combat, especially when defending and using Max Range strategy. A bunch of ships can effectively be disabled by an outmatched ship.