In May of 2005 I completed a Masters of Arts degree in Critical and Creative Thinking at The University of Massachusetts Boston. While I am passionate about design I am also intrigued about the design process and the relationship between the designer and their clients. The subject matter for my thesis that I explored was a result of my curiosity as to why clients have a tendency to fixate over specific details once a design solution is proposed. Through the enlightenment of a personal experience of implementing an "educational session" for a client as part of the design process, my thesis addresses the benefits of and ways to further develop better communication through improving relationships. Specifically the themes of engagement, dialogue, language and value were examined. These themes are essential contributions to encouraging communication and understanding between a designer and their client. Design firms effectively using these concepts are highlighted as examples.

Additionally, in order to further understand how society views the design profession, why misconceptions of the profession exists and how these misconceptions interfere with current client/designer relationships is also discussed. Future developments of this subject matter, place the initiative on the design profession and educators. Approaches to use in the classroom as well as in the boardroom to implement the themes of engagement, dialogue, language and value are introduced. Design professionals need to take the initiative to develop the relationships needed to place design as a strategic entity in the minds of business.

I hope you enjoy reading my thesis. It was a great accomplishment and I value any comments and or suggestions.

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