“The reason that Apple is able to create products like the iPad is because we’ve always tried to be at the intersection of technology and the liberal arts.”
- 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 reason that Apple is able to create products like the iPad is because we’ve always tried to be at the intersection of technology and the liberal arts.”
Explanation
In this quote, Steve Jobs explains that Apple’s success in creating innovative products, like the iPad, stems from its unique approach to design and innovation—an approach that combines the technical expertise of engineering with the creativity and human-centered design typically associated with the liberal arts. Jobs believed that true innovation happens when technology is paired with an understanding of humanity, culture, and the arts, as these fields provide a deeper understanding of people’s needs, desires, and experiences. Apple’s ability to merge these two realms allowed them to create products that were not only technologically advanced but also aesthetically pleasing, intuitive, and meaningful to users.
Jobs was a strong advocate for the idea that innovation comes from a multidisciplinary approach, where creativity and technical skills work together. For Apple, this meant hiring people who were not only great engineers but also had a deep appreciation for design, art, and the human experience. This cross-pollination of ideas was central to the development of Apple’s most iconic products, which blended cutting-edge technology with beautiful design and user-friendly interfaces.
Today, this quote continues to influence Apple’s product philosophy and serves as a reminder of the importance of combining diverse perspectives and disciplines in the creative process. By viewing technology through the lens of the liberal arts, Apple has been able to create products that are not only functional but also inspirational and deeply integrated into the everyday lives of users. Jobs’ words encourage us to think outside of traditional silos, blending technical expertise with an understanding of human needs to drive true innovation.
