Business leaders and governments in Europe and Asia have long understood that design is an integral component that enhances products, services and sales.
North America, and in particular Canada, has languished in gaining an understanding of the economic benefits of design, and moreover failing to employ a national socioeconomic development policy.
Surprisingly, not since the Trudeau era of the 1970's has Canada had a ministry focus on design - an integral part of Canada's multi-billion dollar creative industry.
The Society of Graphic Designers of Canada (GDC) together with Ottawa-based market research firm, Harris/Decima have now polled Canadian business owners and decision makers to better understand business perceptions of the design industry.
"It has been more than a decade since a study focusing on design buyers has been conducted," noted Melanie MacDonald, GDC Executive Director.
"As the National professional association for graphic and communication designers in Canada, we are well acquainted with the realities experienced by designers promoting their services in our ever-changing economic landscape.
However, it was time to uncover the perceptions of the design-buying public.
It is our hope that the information gleaned from this survey will help professional designers identify where opportunities exist, and enable business to take advantage of design."