3ds Max and 3ds Max Design both provide a comprehensive 3D modelling, animation and rendering solution. They are effectively the same program with different add-ons that support the requirements of specific industries.
3ds Max is used by artists and animators to produce top-selling games and award-winning television and film content. It ships with an SDK, not supplied with 3ds Max Design, which can be used to add your own plug-ins to your 3ds Max pipeline.
3ds Max Design is used by architects, designers and engineers to produce design visualisations from initial concept models to final, cinema-quality presentations. It contains Exposure lighting analysis technology, not available with 3ds Max Design, that is used specifically for architecture and visualisation workflows.