The Word Design

Abstract

The paper focuses on the analysis and exploration of the word Design, questioning some of the possible associations opened by its etymological origins, polysemy and apparently intrinsic vocation to ambiguity. It doing so, it tries to find in its historical expression a contribution to better understand how its cultural impression has been processed, both as a concept and as a practice. This reflection rises from the notion that, in spite of Design’s daily omnipresence in our lives and the way it subtly or explicitly conditions an increasing and transversal number of human experiences, its pervasive nature does not translate an equally generalized perception of its action or value. Therefore, the relationship with Design tends to be determined by a lack of knowledge regarding not only the (real and potential) dimension of its impact (and, with it, the kind of responsibilities — economical, social, political, environmental,… — which can and should not be ignored), but also the multiple dimensions and the deep meanings it now represents in our contemporary world. Thus, being able to understand it becomes increasingly as important as the ability to explain and integrate it, in order to contribute to the creation of a necessary — if not urgent — Design culture.