My idea of a designer is someone who sits down and lays out the basic foundation of something (be it software, or a magazine, or what have you, both fit the category). For example, the designer of a game would be the person who comes up with the basic specs of the game, such as the type, and all of that stuff. This would usually involve things like plot and story, characters, and gameplay mechanics. A lot of people seem to think this is an easy job, but it certainly is not.

Z.