What is design today?

Why are so many of us uncertain of design's meaning and its role in our lives?

Here, George H. Marcus offers clarification and a tour of the often smart, political and savvy imagery that characterizes the ever-changing world of contemporary products and grapics.

From Toyota's "Hybrid" car to Nike's design-it-yourself Nike iD shoe programme to Philippe Starck's injection-moulded indoor/outdoor plastic lounge chairs, design comprises all of the objects that surround us - the things we wear, the products we use, the vehicles we ride in and the media that communicate with us graphically.