[rquantz]

design was not about how something looks, but how it works.

One of the worst things for me as a developer is having deal with "designers" who don't know this. They think they produce a flashy looking mockup and then they're done. I've dealt with design or marketing companies who literally produce a few PSDs and say, "This should do something cool when you click on it." Which then makes me the designer. Which, I mean, I'm flattered, but that's probably not the situation the client intended to be in.

[read]

Not only is it not about how something looks, but design under this premise sets you back.

You are forced to make a conscious effort not to focus on looks to finally focus on how it works. You are better off without looks.

I've heard of a usability study that found people are afraid to interact with pretty websites. They prefer ones that look simpler. I wish I could find a reference and read it myself.

[IlPeach]

yes, this. Interaction design can't be separated by visual design.

The worst of the misconceptions here is that the designer is unable to see further than this point, it's basically a key to failure.