"I’ll go on a limb and say that design is more important than engineering" No it isn't. Let me explain. Design is incredibly important. No doubt about it. But

"I’ll go on a limb and say that design is more important than engineering" No it isn't. Let me explain. Design is incredibly important. No doubt about it. But I hire designers by the week, perhaps by the month. I hire them by the design. I have longterm relationships with them. They are a core part of the project but they are interchangeable, if push comes to shove. And I don't need them engaged every day. I really don't. Most companies are not Apple. Apple has design at its core because it creates tangible products. I loath Jobs and all he stands for -- I detest bullies -- but I saw an Air for the first time (years ago) and had to touch it. Shiny. Hardware design is not software design. Personally, I don't like the metaphor of "experience" that is currently en vogue. I have never had an "experience" with a site or application, but I have used them. They are functional things, designed for purpose, to fulfil an objective. They are not an orgasm. I wish. They are do not evoke a tangible emotional response. I have never been moved to tears, even close, by viewing a webapp. I do not weep at Google's minimalism YMMV. Graphical designs, as applied to computer application, are not an experience. They really aren't. I can buy that interface design. And I love to. I love the process, the passion of the artist, and the attention to detail. But that's all it is. And I can get it in many places. But the skill required to build the infrastructure and networks of complexity that satiates all the requirements of my business plan, and things I have not thought of yet, and things I don't even know I need yet, now that takes skill and experience that cannot be defined, let alone hired by the week. That takes immersion and involvement. That takes a large degree of dedication, foresight, and yet more dedication. It almost take faith in the belief that unforeseen obstacle can be overcome. All of them. Rewinding, design is incredibly important, a central part of any initiative that's outward facing. But top of the pile it ain't. And it never will be. I can buy it by the hour. I can buy it off the shelf. I hope I never have to.