Design education of the lay client

The increasing use of visualised information puts the design qualifications of laymen, both as consumers and clients, on the agenda. Visual literacy is in this article regarded as a basic skill for the 21st century, possibly quite as important for democratic participation as are reading and writing. Design education of laymen is discussed; if they need any, and if so, who should give such education. Education ‘in action’ and pre-qualification of laymen are regarded as two strategies. Compulsory school, television and newspapers are arenas for building knowledge and positive attitudes to design.