Abstract: In a broad aspect of the invention there are provided liquid infused surfaces that feature drag reducing characteristics. In a further broad aspect, the present invention provides methods for designing and fabricating liquid infused surfaces that feature drag reducing characteristics. In a yet further broad aspect the present invention provides methods for increasing the operating efficiency of systems in which a flowing bulk fluid is in contact with a patterned surface, the increased operating efficiency specifically being realized from a reduction of the drag forces due to the bulk fluid flowing over the patterned surface.