Today is not only the birthday of Icograda, AND the first day of Design Week: Design Currency in Vancouver, but also World Graphics Day around the globe.  Suffice to say, there is plenty of action going on in the design world on this very day.

"World Graphics Day has been celebrated annually on 27 April since 1995 as an occasion for designers to reflect and hope that Icograda's global network can contribute to greater understanding between people and help build bridges where divides and inequities exist." - Icograda.org

David Coates FGDC describes his philosophy on the opportunities presented to us, not only on World Graphics Day, but every day:

"As a young profession, we have a unique opportunity to define what it is to be a professional graphic designer and to take steps toward positive change in the world. I don't have to tell you that graphic design is everywhere you look, and that design plays a huge role in defining culture, but largely and until recently, we, as an industry have done simply what our clients have asked of us. We are now in a unique position to make real change - to guide our clients in the right direction - because they are listening!"

Read David's full blog post about the Black Collar Worker and World Graphics Day - I think that you will agree - it is an inspiring post. No doubt there will be more discussion of World Graphics Day at Design Currency.

Speaking of which, Design Currency 2010 begins today; pre-registration starts at 5:30 which is literally only a matter of hours and minutes away. Make sure you are familiar with the Design Currency schedule.  What does World Graphics Day mean to you? How do you see general awareness of design? Is it increasing or decreasing? What do you see as the biggest challenges for design in general and how do we overcome those challenges?

We're in Vancouver at the GDC AGM for 2010.  This year's AGM has a fairly familiar structure compared to last year's event in Winnipeg - so if you were there, you know the kind of things we are talking about. This year, Sunday's hot topics include Sustainability, Sponsorship, Branding, and Membership as well as associated Membership Processes.  See some more photos of the meeting on the GDC AGM 2010 flickr pool.

Say what you will about the value of design, but one thing is clear: no two people think exactly alike when it comes to defining the value of design itself. And if the question of defining the value of design sounds like a simple one, let me assure you - you're dead wrong. It's not just about dollars and cents. 

Design Currency 2010 discussion has been going on at designweekvancouver.ca - there is information on the events, workshops, dinners, breakfasts, speakers, and information on where to stay and eat. 

Interviews with speakers are being added every day in the Design Currency 2010 Interviews category.

Also I would be in some sort of trouble if I didn't mention that I had a go at the topic myself on the Design Currency 2010 blog. Really, it is a continuation of the conversation that I had started on the GDC blog - defining the value of design - but it's much more direct in its relation to the topic of the conference.

Finally, you really ought to treat yourself and have a look at the beautiful Design Currency 2010 video - it is below...