I really like this definition by the International Council of Design, it seems to be very balanced, avoids buzzwords and really focuses on the crux of the matter

What is design?

Design is a discipline of study and practice focused on the interaction between a person — a ‘user’— and the man-made environment, taking into account aesthetic, functional, contextual, cultural and societal considerations. As a formalised discipline, design is a modern construct.

https://www.theicod.org/en/professional-design/what-is-design/what-is-design