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By Marianne Combs, Minnesota Public Radio | February 2, 2007
The word 'design' used to be relegated to the conversations of academics and engineers, but now it pops up in housekeeping magazines and department store aisles. Although most of us don't learn about it in school, design -- both good and bad -- has a tremendous impact on our lives.
The word 'design' used to be relegated to the conversations of academics and engineers, but now it pops up in housekeeping magazines and department store aisles. Although most of us don't learn about it in school, design -- both good and bad -- has a tremendous impact on our lives.
 Most people think of design as what makes something pretty, whether it's the interior of a house or the latest fashion trends. The dictionary defines design as "thoughtful creation." We explore the true meaning of the word.
We live with design, both good and bad. We want you to be the designer, and tell us what you like and don't like about the designs of items you use every day -- such as cell phones, coffeemakers, furniture, or your neighborhood shopping mall.
Share your suggestions How does design affect your work, purchases, and life in general? What is design? Read the audience commentaries for "Defining Design"     Rice Park, St. Paul Video: Bad urban design - Marquette Ave., Minneapolis  |  |
 Most city codes are created by lawyers, not by designers. But as cities compete for new growth, they're learning the way a city is designed has an enormous impact on whether it thrives, or dies.
 As consumers, we express who we are through the things we buy. We have increasingly emotional relationships with objects. Now designers are playing with those emotions.
 When it comes to changing the design of things that don't work well, individuals often feel powerless. But there are ways consumers can influence the design of their world.
  Reporter: Marianne Combs Broadcast editors: Don Lee, Mike Edgerly Online editor: Melanie Sommer Web designer: Ben Tesch |
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