In the broad sense design means thinking about what the function or purpose of things or processes are, and translating that into action.
Howard RheingoldIf you depend on where the chestnuts are going to be, and where the deer are, you have to be attuned to the outside world.
Howard RheingoldIn Japanese organizations, before you have a meeting and you've got an idea that you want to get across, you go talk to everyone and list them. And then the meeting, you don't do it American style where everyone gets up and advocates and conflicts and decides, you get up and formalize agreements.
Howard Rheingold