I read a recent definition of Graphic Design:

Graphic design is the process and art of combining text and graphics and communicating an effective message in the design of logos, graphics, brochures, newsletters, posters, signs, and any other type of visual communication. Today’s graphic designers often use desktop publishing software and techniques to achieve their goals.

Examples: “A brochure that makes watching water boil seem exciting or a business card that entices the recipient to call instead of toss owe at least part of their success to good graphic design — it doesn’t matter if they were created with the latest hot software or an old ink pen.”

I can’t help thinking that this is incomplete. We may be based in Upton Upon Severn a small backwater that makes the news annually when the river floods, but graphic design is a universal experience which makes our view as valid as anyone else’s and more valid if you look at the experience we bring to graphic design – even from Upton Upon Severn.
How about:

Graphic design is a science, a combination of engineering, ergonomics, psychology and visualisation. It communicates complex messages using metaphors, typography and spacial balance often from organisations to people they do not know, while they are not there. It’s purpose is to elicit a response, either in action or thought from the target audience and is central to the creation of logos, graphics, brochures, newsletters, posters, signs, and any other type of visual communication. Today’s graphic designers are often mistaken for artists. however, art is an expression of something internal and subjective. Graphic Design is a bridge across a communication gap and while computers and desktop publishing software and techniques are used in graphic ddeisng,essentially it is the quality of the thinking around within these scientific elements which make graphic design effective.

Examples: “A way of making someones task, life or experience better, easier or more enjoyable whether they are boiling water or reading information on business card — it doesn’t matter if they were created with the latest hot software or an old ink pen.”