How can design improve the quality of life?

Question:

How can design improve the quality of life?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Design applies to both aesthetics and function (although it is commonly more associated with the former). The quality of life is improved because function fulfills the practical needs of a person while aesthetics attends to that which is intangible or "inner" like the feeling one gets when beholding something perceived to be beautiful (of course, considering the varying definitions of beauty relative to each individual).