"With the world listening, the moment to propose a step change is about as good as it gets. May today be marked by the sharing of many such ideas, if not being noted for correct protocols in doing so."

27 April, Icograda's anniversary, was designated World Graphics Day in 1995. It is an opportunity to recognise communication design and its role in the world.

With Earth Day quickly approaching, it seems appropriate to highlight design for social and environmental change. Environmentally we are at a tipping point, if mankind proceeds the current rate, the consequences of our actions will be somber, to say the least. While standing at this crossroads, it begs the following questions: As a community, can design be a proponent for positive change? What is our role in the greater society?

Mr. Shigeo Fukuda passed away suddenly in Tokyo on Sunday, 11 January 2009. He was 76 years old. As one of the founding members and directors of the Japan Graphic Designers Association (JAGDA) since its establishment in 1978 (president since 2000), Mr. Fukuda contributed profoundly to the development of the JAGDA as an Association. The whole creative industry and society of Japan was struck with this sad and sudden news.

Icograda is pleased to present a blog entry originally posted on the New Views 2 Blog by Laura Chessin and Alex Bitterman, with the help of Teal Triggs. The story behind the question "design isn't dead?" and the ensuing discussion that the question raised is quite a heated one.

Reflecting on recent changes in the United States, Stuart Alden, a Lifetime Icograda Friend, began an interesting discussion through the Icograda Friends mailing list that brings some thought-provoking ideas to light.

The issue of sustainability, or "going green," is a hot button topic - and for good reason. The dire state of the natural world is a major concern that impacts every single one of us. As designers, we consume massive amounts of paper and various print materials, so it's safe to say that we've all done our part in contributing to this current environmental quagmire.

"...the Earthquake is still shaking the earth and our hearts." This simple statement was made earlier this week by Joy Yin, one of the participants in COLLABOR8, the 2008 edition of Creative Waves. Joy opened a dialogue for everyone involved in COLLABOR8 to share how the earthquake affected their world and to discuss designers' roles in responding to large scale disaster.

+DESIGN is an Icograda program that collects inspiring design solutions. It's about leading creatively and celebrating creative problem solving that makes a difference.

27 April, Icograda's anniversary, was designated World Graphics Day in 1995. It is an opportunity to recognise communication design and its role in the world.