My definition of design would be "any form of decoration or arrangement of an item(s) that is compiled to express a belief, emotion and/or goal while conveying a message and a possible underlying theme".
This design is of the Miami Heat NBA basketball team. The design has infinite meanings behind it - both obvious and hidden. The flames on the end can signify both the literal well-known heat/temperature of the Miami area and the expectations for the club to be successful. To go along those lines, the ball going through the hoop signifies the entering into a basketball association and to give an immediate recognizable look to the team's logo and what they represent. Also, it can symbolize the hopes for success in the present and future by the ball already having gone through the hoop (which leads to points - which lead to victories).