Design is about creating meaning. The meaning of an object changes depending on its context. Because of that, careful observation is the key to creating meaning for others.
Good design makes functionality obvious in the most subtle ways. It strives for simplicity, but is not simplistic. It speaks softly, but carries a big stick.
As a designer I strive to make the world a more understandable, meaningful place. It is a lifelong process of observation, construction, and evaluation.