“The design of the Mac wasn’t what it looked like, although that was part of it. Primarily, it was how it worked. 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, chew it up, not just quickly swallow it.”
- February 24, 1955 – October 5, 2011
- American
- Entrepreneur, businessman, industrial designer
- He brought to the world revolutionary products that combined technology and design at a high level, such as the personal computer Macintosh, iPhone, and iPad, and also revolutionized the music industry with the iPod, iTunes, and iTunes Store.
Quote
“The design of the Mac wasn’t what it looked like, although that was part of it. Primarily, it was how it worked. 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, chew it up, not just quickly swallow it.”
Explanation
In this quote, Steve Jobs emphasizes that the true design of the Mac went far beyond its appearance—while aesthetics were important, what truly mattered was how the computer functioned and worked. Jobs believed that to create something truly great, you needed to have a deep and intuitive understanding of the product, beyond just superficial knowledge. The term “grok,” borrowed from science fiction, refers to fully understanding something to the point where it becomes a part of you. For Jobs, this level of understanding required dedication, passion, and a thorough process of refinement—it wasn’t about quick, shallow work but a deep commitment to fully comprehending every aspect of the product and its purpose.
Jobs’ philosophy on design shaped the way Apple approached product development, particularly with the Mac. He believed that in order to create a product that was truly innovative and user-friendly, the design had to reflect not just the external look but the inner workings, ensuring that every element worked seamlessly together. This commitment to detail and functionality became a hallmark of Apple products, where both the hardware and software were carefully considered to create a unified, intuitive experience for the user.
Today, Jobs’ approach to design remains a key principle in Apple’s success, especially in their focus on holistic design—products that are not only beautiful but also work flawlessly. His words remind us that great design is not just about appearance but about understanding the problem deeply and crafting a solution that works harmoniously on all levels. This philosophy can be applied to a wide range of industries, where passionate commitment to comprehension and integration often leads to the most successful and impactful creations.
