If I am understanding the readings correctly Armstrong would say that successful designers are connected to society. That their role is to ask not only why but how. Munari would say that design is a vast sector of human activity that creates a living language made up of all the sectors. This language is silently viewed by all, understood by few. Both Armstrong and Munari agree that we need to understand and establish the purpose of past design in order to build the art of today. 

The Design field distinguishes itself from other occupations because it adequately weights out all components, from the drawing table to the finished product. In order to connect art to the public, designers must consider function as well as color psychology. Today’s designers have more of a connection with art and the public, between living and nonliving.

Which is why designers need theoretical questions. Everything is constantly changing. The Munari reading said it perfectly. Art was once images painted, drawn or carved. We could show the visible reality. Since then with the involvement of technology we now see the invisible, through x-rays and microscopes.

What’s debatable is the beauty. I like that design challenges and combines old with new. A decorative vase function was once a vase in a kitchen containing oil, and is now on display in a museum for its intricate and ornate detail. Yet we still have vases, the purpose has just changed, it holds flowers. I connected this to buildings. The ones built now are more streamlined. Many windows, often floor to ceiling. With little to no outside detail. No gargoyles, just spikes to remove the pigeons. As designers the goal is to understand and visually create to the changing needs of society and social activities.