The Importance of Design

Let’s get this out of the way — design does not mean Alexander McQueen’s latest jacket.

Design is a much bigger beast.

The Meaning of Design

To design is much more than simply to assemble, to order, or even to edit; it is to add value and meaning, to illuminate, to simplify, to clarify, to modify, to dignify, to dramatise, to persuade, and perhaps even to amuse.

— Paul Rand, Author, Graphic Designer, Teacher

It may be defined as a verb, ‘to create, fashion, execute, or construct according to plan’. However, a more specific definition will capture how the meaning of design has evolved. To design is to plan the creation of a new product, service or system to solve a specific problem with the intention of improving human experience.

I discussed the importance of design when I wrote about technology.

History

History of design generally lends itself to the evolution of industrial design. You might also think of graphic design, property design or fashion design. It is traditionally seen as creating anything new that is tangible. However, you can also look into the history of designing the intangible — a customer experience (McDonalds), a technique, a…