Why design education must reconsider the kind of student it imagines.Photo by shraga kopstein on UnsplashFor decades, design offered artistically inclined students an appealing compromise. They could pursue a practical career without giving up creativity. Someone with visual talent learned typography, composition, color, image-making, and a collection of professional tools. With enough skill, that student could turn artistic ability into commercial work without the uncertainty of pursuing a career as a traditional artist.That understanding of the designer still influences recruitment and what many aspiring designers expect from the profession. Design is often presented as a field where creative people can produce visually compelling work while building a recognizable career. The appeal is understandable, and generations of exceptional designers entered the profession through exactly...