I tend to think of 'design' as graphic design, whose the main purpose I believe is to grab the onlookers attention. Shouldn't be too garish though (though even that works sometimes; kitsch). The imagery I get in my mind when the word "design" is mentioned changes every month or so. 
Right now it's a very vague but shiny fluid looking logo. Smooth, flowing curves along which the eye glides almost without realising it. Hmmm... Dunno if all this anwers your question tho.
Right now it's a very vague but shiny fluid looking logo. Smooth, flowing curves along which the eye glides almost without realising it. Hmmm... Dunno if all this anwers your question tho. 
