What is the value of graphic design to you?

I am a college art student and I am getting ready for a review. I have to write a paper about the value of design, and I am doing alright, but would loke to know what you all think the value of design is... thanks!

What is the value of graphic design to you?
Graphic---to get the message across clearly and concisely, the design is the message. You have to love Kleenex and Google. Kleenex a graphic design for facial tissue became the byword for all tissues; Google became the word meaning to look it up on the Internet regardless of which search engine used. These are great examples of Graphic design becoming its message.
Reply:Beyond Mordant is speaking of Branding more than design. Branding and identity where the visual and the verbal or mental image marry.





The value of design depends on the message and what role it plays in relation to the message. The question becomes is design itself the message or is it a supporting message. Is the medium the message?





Or is it merely a catalyst for communication?





Then there is market value. What is the market value of design? Some would say that it's an hourly wage, while others may say it's far more than this siting other intangibles such as brand and identity. Which goes back to some of what Beyond Mordant was saying. How does one put a value on mental theatre and then mental theatre for generations?





But this is exactly what we do in advertising. It's called Brand Equity. Again, is this design value? Well, one would have to say that graphic design is a part of this. So yes, it does have value.