When I was reading “Pattern: Laying the Groundwork for design”, I particularly noticed one word-” connection “, and I think it highlights the essential point of design.
In my understanding, design is used to present connection(s), and a good design smartly utilizes or transform patterns to convey them. I believe this principle applies to all forms of designs, (like music, painting, movies, games or technologies). Think about a person who laughs hardly when watching comedy, why it happens? because she/he may find the connections to the pattern(s) in real life, which in turn makes sense to her/him.
When it comes to graphic design, this principle also works. For example, folks who are familiar with Illustrator know it is a very good tool for logo, however, it is always one of the most challenging things for graphic designers. The reason is very simple: how to put patterns together to create a simple icon in the way connecting audiences and designers, business and customers, and messages and shapes.It is even hard to figure out where is the starting point. (e.g, should we really begin with the “patterns” existed in social context, or business sides.)
The part of this paper’s title – “Groundwork for design” indeed makes sense, and it urges me to pay attention to every pattern surrounding me, hopefully, I will have more sensible concepts for future visual design works, not just to make them look sexy and awesome. 
