The press release from Shelflife Records categorized the album's tracks as "shimmering, infectious, maximalist pop gems" with "lush production and irresistible melodies."

The press release by Shelflife Records categorized the songs on Designs in Rhythm as "shimmering, infectious, maximalist pop gems" with "lush production and irresistible melodies.

[5] In the words of Collin Robinson of Stereogum, the album features "gauzy" vocal performances and an "adventurous layering and texturing of synths that pulls you into a dream-like aesthetic and snaps you out of it artfully with intricate musicality.

[1] Designs In Rhythm's production style is a more accessible and mainstream version of that on Ice Choir's previous album Afar (2012),[3] which consists of what Allmusic writer Tim Sendra described as "achingly pretty vocals, lots of very sophisticated melodies, pleasingly factory-fresh synths" and "cheesily processed guitars.

"[2] This modernization is most evident on the songs “Noosphering” and the Carly Rae Jepsen-esque cut “Amorous in Your Absence,”[3] which features vocals from A Sunny Day in Glasgow's Jen Goma.

"[3] Sendra, in his review for Allmusic, labeled Designs in Rhythm an "impressive and fun" recreation of "the cheesiest, most disposable synth pop" of the 1980s, honoring it as "essential listening for '80s lovers while still sounding modern enough to steer clear of bland pastiche territory.

"[2] The flawless production of the album served as the primary praise and criticism in his review, writing, "There are no failed experiments, no corny crossover attempts, and no sappy ballads, which means it's a pretty streamlined listen.