Components of a design object are graphically displayed on a display device of an apparatus for making a design reference. A designated interference check element graphically displayed on the display device imitates an article or human being moving in an area in which an actual design object is arranged. The interference check element is graphically displayed in a predetermined moving area of the interference check element in the area in which the design object is arranged. An interference between the interference check element and the design object is detected while the interference check element and the design object are moved relative to each other such that the interference check element is moved along the moving area, and a detected interference is displayed on the display device.