Marketing wants to communicate a message. Graphic design gets it done. Manufacturing is setting up a payment and fulfillment workflow. System design gets it done. I’m not referring to roles. I’m saying that with design, you answer the question: “How will someone [get this]?” Swap out the bracket for whatever. Do this. Read this. Consume this. Use this.
Seth Godin puts it this way. “Design is about function. Everything we do has a job, and if it’s designed properly, the job will get done well.” He’s right. Want proof? Check your palm, purse, or pocket. You carry around a thing that has been iteratively designed to complete more and more functions. Now, you see it as important as your keys.