Design patterns are gaining acceptance as a means to capture and disseminate best practice software design. Design patterns have already produced benefits for those organizations fostering their introduction. However, we argue that widespread adoption of design patterns as a general software improvement initiative is someway off, and is subject to, yet, unresolved factors. This paper examines the appeal of design patterns and uses diffusion of innovation theory to predict their adoption into mainstream practice. Recommendations for the implementation and use of design patterns in organizations are also made.