Design: in a word of shifting definitions, it seems that we need to find our own way around this fuzzy-defined word and impregnate it with our own meaning.

But until we'll put behind us the first 20 years of experience as designers, until the things we did and situations we passed through will enable us to have an educated attempt to define the word, we may look up to the masters and learn.

One+One=Three has a long list of design definitions (over 40!) to start with in their Design is... Quote Unquote post.

From my favorite: “Design is the conscious effort to impose a meaningful order.” Victor Papanek,

to the godlike words of Paul Rand: “Everything is design. Everything!”

and the Robinson Crusoesque 'deffinition' of Massimo Vignelli: “A designer should only use these 5 typefaces: Bodoni, Helvetica, Times Roman, Century, Futura.”

Also the business side of design, both critically seen from the designer's side: “The design business continues to navel gaze. Designers are still designing for designers rather than working to convince the business world of the importance of design in our everyday lives.” Joe Duffy

and from the business people's side: “In most people’s vocabularies, design means veneer. It’s interior decorating. It’s the fabric of the curtains and sofa. But to me, nothing could be further from the meaning of design. Design is the fundamental soul of a man-made creation that ends up expressing itself in successive outer layers of the product or service.” Steve Jobs, Apple Computer.

You will find them all, read what they have to say. And think about your own.