Design Loves A Depression

I came across an article by Michael Cannell in the NY Times titled "Design Loves A Depression" about design’s role or potential in our current economic climate. During the Great Depression, many designers took the economic downturn as a "call-to-action" to produce less design but better design, tightening up their standards, whether accessibility or environmental. I was surprised that there was no mention of design as a means to make things better, however, as a form of capital for the developing world, both overseas and in our backyard. But the article is certainly thought provoking and brings to light implications for both our current opportunities and responsibilities as designers. What do you think?