The problem with design

It occurred to me that the main criticism about integrating graphic elements in fiction (graphic elements are gimmicky, style over substance, ornamentation for the sake of it) is parallel to criticism of graphic design in general. It is a prejudice of word over image. I defend the merit of these novels with the same defensive conviction with which I defend my profession.

Images have the potential to achieve more than mere illustration of a verbal idea. Images offer as much narrative potential as words, but the language of images is less universally understood?