“A lot of people in our industry haven’t had very diverse experiences. So they don’t have enough dots to connect, and they end up with very linear solutions without a broad perspective on the problem. The broader one’s understanding of the human experience, the better design we will have.”
- 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
“A lot of people in our industry haven’t had very diverse experiences. So they don’t have enough dots to connect, and they end up with very linear solutions without a broad perspective on the problem. The broader one’s understanding of the human experience, the better design we will have.”
Explanation
In this quote, Steve Jobs emphasizes the importance of diversity of experience in the design process. He argues that many people in the technology industry, particularly in software and hardware development, may lack the varied experiences needed to approach problems from a broad and creative perspective. Without this breadth of understanding, solutions tend to be narrow and linear, addressing only the obvious aspects of a problem. Jobs believes that when designers and engineers have a wide-ranging view of the world, informed by diverse experiences, they are better equipped to create more innovative, human-centered solutions.
This philosophy was key to Apple’s success, as Jobs valued hiring individuals from different backgrounds who brought unique perspectives to the table. Apple’s products, such as the Mac, iPhone, and iPad, were designed not just for functionality, but with a deep understanding of the human experience—how people interact with technology, how it fits into their lives, and how it can enrich their daily activities. Jobs believed that true innovation comes when designers connect disparate ideas and experiences, leading to products that are holistic, intuitive, and transformational.
In today’s world, this quote remains highly relevant, especially in the context of inclusive design and user experience (UX). The tech industry continues to recognize the value of diverse perspectives in creating products that truly meet the needs of a wide range of users. Jobs’ words remind us that the best products often come from cross-disciplinary thinking and a holistic understanding of the diverse ways people live, work, and interact with the world around them.
