I think we can save Rams' list by stipulating the following: design is an activity. If you don't need to innovate, you don't need design, you should be followin

I think we can save Rams' list by stipulating the following: design is an activity. If you don't need to innovate, you don't need design, you should be following prescribed/conventional practices. The final rule underlines the sentiment: whenever you engage in design, you should only do as much of it (innovation) as you need. Architects, for example, are always dealing with slightly unique or novel spatial circumstances, which is why they are considered designers. Building identical suburban houses from a pattern book is not design -- and it's not innovative. I think Rams' thoughts do all make sense if seen in this light.