1. A method for determining an electrode design, comprising: selecting an anatomical region to achieve a desired therapeutic effect; defining a target volume of tissue activation in the selected anatomical region expected to achieve the desired therapeutic effect; determining at least one electrode structure parameter and at least one stimulation parameter that provides a design volume of tissue activation that substantially matches the target volume of tissue activation; storing the determined at least one electrode structure parameter and the at least one stimulation parameter to define the electrode design.