“In most people’s vocabularies, design means veneer. It’s interior decorating. It’s the fabric of the curtains and the sofa. But to me, nothing could be further from the meaning of design.”
- 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
“In most people’s vocabularies, design means veneer. It’s interior decorating. It’s the fabric of the curtains and the sofa. But to me, nothing could be further from the meaning of design.”
Explanation
In this quote, Steve Jobs challenges the superficial understanding of design that many people have. He contrasts it with the deeper, more functional and purposeful concept of design that he championed. While most people associate design with aesthetics—like the appearance of furniture or the decoration of a room—Jobs argues that true design goes beyond just surface appearance. For him, design is not only about how something looks, but about how it works, how it feels, and how it connects to the user on a deeper level. It’s about solving problems, enhancing user experience, and creating something that serves a meaningful purpose.
Jobs often emphasized that at Apple, design was about integrating form and function, making products not just beautiful, but also intuitive, efficient, and user-centered. Whether it was the Macintosh, the iPhone, or the iPad, every product was meticulously designed with the user in mind, ensuring that ease of use and elegance were seamlessly connected.
Today, this mindset continues to influence the tech industry. The best designs are those that go beyond mere decoration and truly improve the user experience. Jobs’ view of design encourages a more holistic approach, where design is seen as a crucial part of how a product functions and connects with people—making it not just about how something looks, but about how it impacts people’s lives.
