What is Design?

Design, regardless of whether it is Graphic or Industrial, is required to solve a specific problem pertaining to the market in which it has been commissioned for. It is not solely decorative nor functional, rather it is these elements working together cohesively to produce an end result that is both pleasing to the eye and practical to the user.

Graphic Design follows these rules, only its function is to communicate a message to a specific target market that informs and educates the audience in a creative and aesthetically pleasing way. Design is therefore a direct result of the information or product in which it is communicating on behalf in order for it to be visible by its target market. It is the combination of creativity and communication working together to arrive at a solution that effectively speaks to the target audience and influences decisions.

I feel that when I design that I am in control of peoples perceptions and knowledge of a brand or product, and I feel as though it is my role to communicate in an aesthetically pleasing way and also a clear and concise way that effectively informs and educates the target audience in a visually pleasing way. I get excited when I experience good design because aesthetics and function have come together to produce something informative and enjoyable that speaks to its intended audience.

My overall view on Design is that it is essentially taking a communication problem and solving it by using both aesthetic and functional elements that inform and educate the appropriate target audience in a creative way, and subsequently influences action and decisions by the viewer.