“Design is the fundamental soul of a man-made creation that ends up expressing itself in successive outer layers of the product or service. The iMac is not just the color or translucence or the shape of the shell. The essence of the iMac is to be the finest possible consumer computer in which each element plays together.”
- 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
“Design is the fundamental soul of a man-made creation that ends up expressing itself in successive outer layers of the product or service. The iMac is not just the color or translucence or the shape of the shell. The essence of the iMac is to be the finest possible consumer computer in which each element plays together.”
Explanation
In this quote, Steve Jobs emphasizes that design is not just about the aesthetics of a product but the core essence that defines its function and user experience. Jobs argues that true design is integrated, extending beyond the surface level—like color and shape—and deeply influencing how every component of the product works together to create a cohesive whole. The iMac, for example, is not defined merely by its distinctive translucent shell or vibrant color but by how its hardware, software, and user interface work in harmony to create an exceptional experience for the consumer. This view reflects Jobs’ commitment to holistic design, where every detail, no matter how small, is considered in the context of the product as a complete, seamless experience.
This approach to design was central to Apple’s ability to innovate and create products that weren’t just functional, but also intuitive, aesthetic, and emotionally engaging. The iMac, released in 1998, was one of the first examples of Apple’s design philosophy coming to life—breaking away from the conventional beige desktop computers of the time to offer a visually striking and functional product. Jobs saw the iMac as a perfect example of how form and function should work together to enhance both the technology and the user’s experience.
Today, this quote remains relevant in the tech industry and beyond, where design thinking has become a critical component of product development. Companies today are increasingly aware that successful products must balance aesthetics with usability and that design must be considered as an integral part of the overall user experience. Jobs’ words continue to influence not only how products are created but also how businesses approach innovation and customer satisfaction, ensuring that every layer of a product—from its visual appeal to its performance—works in harmony.
