what is design? (!?!?)

No matter how many times someone asks, or how many times another explains, the answer to 'what is design' is never a concrete definition. When used as a verb the dictionary calls it 'planning' or 'marking' or 'with a definite purpose'. As a noun it can be a 'composition', 'work of art', or an 'intention'. These broad lists go on and on with the point that 'design' has many dictionary definitions, but what is design? Well, it's a major at UC Davis featuring smaller "boutique" sized studio classes of fewer than 30 students. It has 3 main divisions of visual communication, fashion, and interior design. Since a college major tends to define the student, if asked what design is students often give a variety of well-thought out answers, each expressed with a hint of pride and enthusiasm. Several answers might explain that design is art with guidelines, created with a plan and for a purpose. Others will say design is to help people, to communicate visually, and to approach a common goal. To a professional...

Design is a plan for arranging elements in such a way as best to accomplish a particular purpose. — Charles Eames

Design is where science and art break even. — Robin Mathew

Design should never say, “Look at me.” It should always say, “Look at this.” — David Craib

Seriously though, what is design? Design has so many pieces to the definition maybe this is why it has a hard time being defined. Maybe ambiguity is design, and all the definitions come together to create one amazing meaning...design.