I work as Programmer and I feel if design documents are properly in place and requirements are clearly specified than programming is not that difficult but when I think in terms of Designing a Software than it gives chills to me and I think its a very difficult part.

I want to develop my Design Skills so,

1. How should I go about it ?
2. Are there any books, blogs, websites or other approaches that SO community can suggest ?

Update: By Design I meant Design of overall Application or particular problem at hand and not UI Design.