“Graphic Design”  

Mills Baker published a great post on Quora analyzing a few products by supposedly design–led companies.

Despite being somewhat harsh (mainly due to calling out names) I do agree with the closing statement which articulates a lot of what could, and should change in the balance between visual, UX and product.

In order to avoid losing its place atop organizations, design must deliver results. Designers must also accept that if they don’t, they’re not actually designing well; in technology, at least, the subjective artistry of design is mirrored by the objective finality of use data. A “great” design which produces bad outcomes —low engagement, little utility, few downloads, indifference on the part of the target market— should be regarded as a failure.