Steve Job's definition of Design
by Adrian Hanft, (3 comments)
I really enjoyed the following quote by Steve Jobs:
“Design is a funny word. Some people think design means how it looks. But, of course, if you dig deeper, it’s really how it works. To design something really well, you have to ‘get it.’ You have to really grok what it’s all about. It takes a passionate commitment to really thoroughly understand something…. Most people don’t take the time to do that.”
The quote is taken from the upcoming book iCon: Steve Jobs, the Greatest Second Act in the History of Business by Jeffrey S. Young and William L. Simon. I got the quote from Wired’s preview of the biography which will be released May 16. The Wired article is called Steve Jobs Buys a Washing Machine, and it is worth a read if you are a Steve Jobs fan.
Comments (3)
Bennett said:
Your link went to the second page of the article. After I figured that out and read it from the first page, it made more sense. Of course I understand that you linked it to the second page, because that is the page you took the quote from.
Interesting article. I know I have heard the washer/dryer story before, but I’m not sure where. I also like his definition of design.
Posted on May 15, 2005
Chris Rugen said:
It’s funny, as a designer I engage in a similar, albeit smaller, process of examination and debate about the products my wife and I buy. It’s partially design snootiness and partially a desire to only have great products that represent care and skill on the part of the designers and engineers. I feel a bit of pride that I take the time to educate myself and try to fill my life with quality design and pleasureable user interactions, etc.
Then I realize that I’m getting all puffed up about being a good shopper/consumer. There’s a twinge of embarassment that I consider this a good personal quality. But that’s where most (American) people’s choices about design manifest themselves, I suppose. So why not make them good ones and feel pride about well-made choices? Particularly if they involve some of the issues that Jobs describes (water consumption, etc.).
It’s a conundrum.
Posted on May 16, 2005
Adrian said:
It seems like there are two approaches when it comes to buying something important. Either you do the research and carefully contemplate your options. Or you just go out and buy it then return it if you aren’t happy with it. My wife and I are opposites in that regard. The bad part about my method is that I turn small purchases into grueling read the back of the box marathons. But in the end, I know I have purchased the absolute best kitty litter available.
Posted on May 16, 2005