> I think design is about informing people about their choices and empowering them to make them.

I think we are pretty much are on the same page here too. I agree that design _ought_ to be about informing people. It looks like our definition of 'design' and 'manipulation' vary slightly, which lead to our disagreement.

- Your definition of design is a narrower than mine. (yours include the normative element whereas mine doesnt)

- I've used the word 'manipulation' in a neutral way but it was a negative one for you. (e.g. The engineer manipulated the control panel vs she manipulated him into giving him all this money)

In any case, I'll think more about your definition of design. If more designers used your definition, I think the world would be a better place!