Everyone designs who devises courses of action aimed at changing existing situations into preferred ones.

The quote "Everyone designs who devises courses of action aimed at changing existing situations into preferred ones" by Herbert A. Simon, a renowned American economist and cognitive scientist, emphasizes that design is not limited to creating physical objects or buildings. Instead, Simon broadens the definition of design to include any problem-solving process that involves changing a situation to make it better or more desirable. Whether in business, technology, or daily life, design can be seen as a way of improving or transforming existing conditions to achieve better outcomes.

Simon’s statement suggests that design is inherently tied to intentionality and action. It’s not just about making things look aesthetically pleasing but about creating solutions that drive change. A designer, in this sense, is anyone who takes purposeful steps to address a problem or challenge, and who envisions a better future by altering the current state. The process of designing, therefore, can apply to a wide range of fields, from urban planning to software development, as long as the goal is to improve upon the present circumstances.

This quote also emphasizes the idea of pragmatic and goal-oriented thinking. It reflects Simon's broader philosophy about decision-making and rationality in human behavior. For Simon, design is about devising strategies that lead to preferred outcomes, whether through small adjustments or more significant transformations. It’s a process that requires creative problem-solving and the ability to envision and implement better alternatives.

Ultimately, Simon’s perspective invites us to reconsider the scope of design. It challenges the narrow view of design as solely concerned with objects and aesthetics, expanding it to include any action or strategy that seeks to improve or transform a situation. Whether it's creating new products, improving organizational processes, or simply making everyday decisions, anyone engaged in making positive change can be considered a designer.