Engineering line diagram (ELD) development forms a distinct phase in process plant design. It is a complex and expensive activity and as such warrants considerable effort to minimise costs and maximise effectiveness. In this paper, the nature of the ELD design task is analysed in order to understand how it could be carried out more effectively. A number of shortfalls in current practice are discussed. These shortfalls were identified through a combination of the following activities: a review of the literature; a survey of current practice and follow-up line diagram development exercise; and task analysis work carried out at ICI. The most significant findings of the survey of current practice are presented. It is proposed that the shortfalls identified can be overcome by introducing structure to the design task. The manner in which this can be achieved is the subject of the second part of this paper.