The definition of 'design' has been changing continuously. The most drastic change is when design programs become overly accessible, along with the growing popularity of social networking websites that allow customization.
With the over-accessibility of design programs to anyone, it seems that everyone can be a 'designer'. Some people take photos with their digital cameras, manipulate them on Photoshop by adjusting the colors, making it look 'cool and artsy' and call themselves a photographer. Some produce design work just because they know how to use the computer software. But does knowing these softwares make someone a designer? What makes someone a designer? Can everyone be a designer? Does design need to be taught? In addition to that, there is an increase in graphic designers loosing their jobs because companies are giving the work they do to other staff members who have a certain degree of knowledge in 'design'.
In regards to networking websites, I'd like to talk about myspace. Myspace allows users to customize slash 'design' their own page, some users utilizes it well while some don't. I remember that I used to come across so many customized pages that are so badly 'designed'... for example a page with white text and repeated headshots of a celebrity as background, or a yellow text on bright pink background.... you can hardly read the words and the color choices are just blahh... but because it is so easily customizable for users, they have the freedom of 'design' and that freedom sometimes leads to them thinking that anyone can design.
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