The question of whether or not visual design has value in software might seem moot. For decades now, graphical user interfaces have been the dominant paradigm. We revere the visual fruits of Apple; we delight in the graphical levity of the pervasive Web 2.0 look; and we get a visceral tickle out of the many visual and interactive effects of the Microsoft Vista, Linux Ubuntu, and Mac OS X operating systems. We like to be delighted and engaged visually. And why not? Whether our use of computer software is business or personal, we spend a lot of time with machines and the soft stuff that helps us get things done. The time spent might as well be pleasant.