A useful outline about creating designs that work can be found: here.
Good art and design demonstrates, clarifies and raises new questions in the mind of the viewer/participant. Is your design raising curiosity and challenge?
Everything old is new again! Check out these very cool revival bath toys!
how it looks vs. how it works (Thanks Dan S.) You can find out more here: Interaction design.
Art matters. Learn more about these amazing Lisbon murals here.