“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.”
- February 24, 1955 – October 5, 2011
- American
- Entrepreneur, businessman, industrial designer
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Quote
“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.”
Explanation
In this quote, Steve Jobs emphasizes that design is not just about aesthetics or how something appears on the surface, but about functionality and how well it works. While many people equate design with visual appeal, Jobs argues that true design goes beyond looks and is about creating an experience that is intuitive and effective in meeting the needs of the user. The design of a product, for Jobs, should seamlessly integrate both form and function, ensuring that it not only looks good but also works well and serves its intended purpose.
This philosophy was central to Apple’s product development. For Jobs, creating beautifully designed products like the iPhone or MacBook wasn’t just about having sleek exteriors or attractive interfaces; it was about ensuring that these products were also highly functional, with a user experience that was intuitive and easy to navigate. Jobs believed that good design isn’t just about the appearance; it’s about the entire user experience, from how the product feels to how it functions.
Today, this quote remains a key tenet in both product design and user experience (UX). It reminds us that the best products are not only visually appealing, but also well-engineered, user-friendly, and solve real problems effectively. Jobs’ words continue to influence industries where the goal is to create products that combine elegance with practicality, ensuring that design isn’t just skin-deep but integrated into the product’s core functionality.
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