I’d say porygon2. It’s Pokédex entries mention how despite some difficulties, it can operate in space exploration as well as learn new emotions and gestures from other Pokemon/humans. Compared to other designed Pokemon, such as the other porygon members with more errors in their design, or Mewtwo who lacks compassion altogether, porygon2 is a solid proof of concept and the best “designed Pokemon.”
3 Likes
Easy answer would obviously be my favorite Pokemon (Feraligatr) but when really thinking about what makes a Pokemon a Pokemon I’d say it’s Dragonite.
5 Likes
I think I have to say Magikarp. It’s just a fish. Particularly forgetful and offensively ordinary. But if you spend enough time and energy to train this karp, the magic begins.
Its shiny design is also perfect - a golden fish. Still useless and derpy looking, but pretty.
4 Likes
Oh, for the record, I was seconding Ditto being the best designed–not about the subjectivity of the criteria 
2 Likes
So many Pokemon have designs that I love, so I’m going to choose ones that are particularly effective design-wise (well-rounded, polished, interesting, purposeful). One that sticks out to me is Haxorus, not only because of it’s great design, but that it was designed by a brand new female hire at the time, giving it a very unique look.
Here are some other notable Pokemon (at least the ones I could think of immediately)
5 Likes
4 Likes
I hope my slime boys don’t hate me but i really can’t give them credit for a superior design 
instead i’m posting a big bunch of pokemon with what is imo the absolutely top tier design
3 Likes
Arcanine to me is such a wonderful design. It’s simple without being plain, it’s powerful without going over the top and most importantly it’s relatable.
7 Likes
somewhere along the top10 i guess there must be mimikyu :
The sad story of a pokemon that’s been outcast due to his appearance and desperately tries to gather attention of others, by disguising as a beloved pikachu ? that’s a stroke of genius
Makes me think that when looking for the best designed pokemon, we should not think only about the physical/aesthetic design, but also about the idea/intent behind it, the conceptual design and inner motive of the creature.
4 Likes
when i first saw this card i put it aside because it was drawn by sowsow and was like what the hell is this lizard with baggy pants then i realized the scraggy/scrafty evo line is mocking the young cliquey wannabee street thugs/punks with their baggy pants so wide they have to hold it with their hand…playing tough guys but look ridiculous and impractical….very funny design for sure (not top10)
2 Likes
Pokemon that give the strongest sense of association:
Ghost-type: Ghastly
Fire-type: Charizard
Bug-type: Scizor
Steel-type: Steelix
Ground-type: Golem / Rhydon
Water-type: Gyarados
Electric-type: Magneton
Fighting-type: Machamp
Poison-type: toughest one for me because they’re almost all excellent: Gloom / Venomoth / Victreebel
Normal-type: another tough one: Chansey / Snorlax
Flying-type: Pidgeot
Grass-type: Venusaur
Psychic: Alakazam
3 Likes
Rayquaza
3 Likes