The world of design has exploded in popularity during the past
few years. Since the introduction of the personal computer and the development of design software that can be utilized by just about anybody, more and more people are experiencing design on a personal level. And now, with the many ways in which we can access media, design is increasingly becoming a part of our everyday life. Perhaps you don't realize it, but every time you show
a preference to an item or message you have, in some way, been influenced by its design. Whether it's an ad in a newspaper or magazine, an item's packaging, a commercial you've just seen on t.v., a particular book on a shelf that catches your eye, that photo
that you just can't get out of your head, the headline in the paper
that touched you, angered you, made you stop and think for a moment - all of these instances were instigated by design. If their impact stayed with you, made you act, made you seek more information, made you question, simply motivated you in some
way, it was great design. Now I know that some of you will be quick to point out that not all motivation is positive. Someone could just
as easily be inclined to stay away from a product or message. That's where the trained, experienced designer comes into play.

Design is like any language. You have to learn it - slowly, with practice and patience. You have to use it regularly so that you become fluent. And you have to have the passion to continue to emerse yourself in it until you have the ability to gleen every nuance, every intention of its use. Over the years I've come to realize that design is indeed a universal language. It's impact can be subtle or invasive, benevolent or abusive, deliberately informative or deceivingly subversive. Design explores all of our emotions and
can move us to participate in the message it delivers.