DIY Identities?

I came across a website today and I'm feeling very troubled about it. The web address is http://h30393.www3.hp.com/printing/paula.html.

We've all heard of Paula Scher. Award-winning designer who some call the new Milton Glaser. However, HP and Paula have come together to create a website fully based on do-it-yourself design. As a designer, I'm having a hard time understanding why Paula would create a tool that not only provides second-rate design to the client, but takes jobs away from the designer.

The purpose of the tool is to have any business be able to visit the site, choose between two template designs and enter their info. BAM - the work is done. I tested it, and within a matter of about 2 minutes I had an entire corporate identity system with labels and a fax cover sheet to match. For free.

While this will certainly take business away from designers, I'm hoping that it only weeds out the few clients who don't take design as an investment seriously. The clients who want a truly unique look and a high quality product will, hopefully, still turn to designers for their help. The others, who'd like to save a buck or two, will end up looking like everyone else. What do you think?

You can find a sample of my Paula Scher letterhead below - freshly made about two seconds ago.