Of course, we've always thought so, but now there's proof: The Design Council has created a web site called the Value of Design Factfinder.

The site's purpose is to "To find evidence comprehensively proving the importance and value of businesses using design."

From our observations, it's been evident that design is more highly valued in Europe, and the study that the Design Council commissioned seems to support that.

The site includes a section entitled "What is Design." It states "Design is everywhere -- and that's why looking for a definition may not help you grasp what it is."

Well said.