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Is a government supported U.S. Design Council sought by the design
community? Would such a council lend an aspect of financial stability, credibility and federal support
to the profession? Or would it simply foster unnecessary bureaucracy and a false sense of establishment?
I thought that under the Clinton Administration one was created. It would not surprise me however if it is defunct or never materialized, as I have not heard of a U.S.D.C.
The more attention and awareness given to design the better it is for our profession (given that it is guided by intelligent, informed minds) (which is another matter altogether). Federal voice would hopefully add some clout to our seemeingly prestige-starved profession; however, there would undoubtedly be certain drawbacks.
Without a refined definition of Industrial Design any stance taken by such a council is bound to irritate and alienate some factions that claim akin to ID. Perhaps their first point of order should be to create definitions and boundaries. This would create at least a starting point to further refine. If a federal agency makes a stand (however abrasive this might be) at least we have some point of departure. As is, anyone can associate themselves with ID and consequently dilute the profession with their own personal agendas. Without a fence, the livestock isn't safe.
Should we have a U.S. Design Council? Why not? What do we really have to lose? Perhaps a better question to ask is why haven't we defined the profession -- are some too afraid that they will be left out? We can never be what we want to be until we know what we are.
Bruce M. Tharp
March 4, 1995