Last time around, I made an effort to define the word design (in both its noun and adjective forms). This was my summary, for those of you just joining us:

…the definition of design (when used as a verb) is, simply put, creation of something for a specific practical purpose. Logically, then, it would follow that design, when used as a noun, refers to objects–whether a logo, a tea kettle, or a Herman Miller Aeron chair–that resulted from the design process. That is, a “piece of design” is the “something” that was created for a specific practical purpose. Design as a verb is the action–design as a noun is the output.

I hasten to point out that I do certainly include printed materials and websites amongst those “things” that can be (and are) created via the design process.

So, basically, with design reduced to a very formal and stiff definition, you might be wondering where, exactly, personal expression and artistic flair joins in. When we start talking about individual design solutions, we’re talking about style.

Continue Reading »