Design principles and design thinking sit at the intersection of interdisciplinary subjects. The human online experience is no longer as linear as a book, now absorbing digital content through transmission, translocation, and transference from known and unknown sources that begin to transform, transpose, transgress and transmute digital message meaning. The social impact of mass messaging systems has long-term and profound effects on human interaction and visual communication. For example, the storytelling nuance of the distinction between the words, ‘transform’ and ‘transmute’ is potential semiotic fodder for lost depth of expression. This study aims to observe the importance of applying design principles (for novice or professional) as literacy tools for global equitable dissemination in the digital now. Findings are expected to provide opportunities to develop the early framework of a digital design standard.