Design is thinking made visual.
---Saul Bass
This is perhaps my favorite quote describing what design really is. Throughtout the years, I learned that design is complex. Essentially it's a rational, logical, sequential process intended to solve problems. In today's world, specifically in the realm of communications, design's true purpose is to communicate a message exploiting the thought-process, culture, experiences of an audience. It is as much art as it is psychology.
Here are some very great quotes to make you think.
Design is the spit and polish, but not the shoe.
---Ellen Lupton
Design without thinking is like a story with no plot.
---Pat Hansen
Design brings content into focus; Design makes function visible.
Design that moves others comes from issues that moves you!
---Jennifer Morla
Design is the child of the concept "efficiency."
---Jorge Frascara
Designers think, so people can feel!
---Juan-Carlos Fernández
Design should never say, "Look at me!" It should always say, "Look at this!"
---David Craib
Design is instilling structure and soul into our naturally chaotic and unintelligible environment.
---Laurinda Spear
Design is the fusion of creativity and restraint.
---unknown
Design is what a client/boss thinks he can do.
---unknown