The results of redesign competitions support the idea that design is nothing more than decoration or eye-candy. How could it indicate otherwise? Design is a process that begins with research and discovery. Every aspect of the client’s needs, aims and desires, along with the brand’s needs, context and purpose; in addition to the current and desired target audience’s expectations, needs, desires, culture, etc…. MUST be weighed, measured and considered thoroughly before any design solution can present itself.

Making things pretty is design in most people’s eyes. Those kind of projects are a bore no matter if they are paid or unpaid but unfortunately in Taiwan the strategic nature of design for the screen is often unheard of.
[via Daring Fireball.]