Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The trouble-makers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules, and they have no respect for the status-quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify, or vilify them. But the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do. ~
That was one of the best marketing campaign ever written. There’s never been a company or person that I’ve admired as much as Steve Jobs and Apple. Apple speaks a lot about quality, making things right and pushing for perfection. Their product was never advertised as perfect by any means but were damn near it. They are, however, “magical” and “the most amazing {product} ever.”
I started using computers in 5th grade on the Apple II at school, making my first digital drawing of a house. It felt magical. I can never forget that feeling. To this day, I’ve always been an Apple fan. I had a Windows PC when I was in high school, but it belonged to my dad. Using the Windows PC never felt right for me. It just didn’t give me the joy as the Apple did. Maybe it was because I spent most of my time figuring out how to do things or troubleshooting something I did wrong. It wasn’t until my college years that I bought my first computer, it was a PowerMac 7500 with loan from my aunt in 1995 when it first came out. I had to have it. You know that feeling, all you fanboys and fangirls. It was the biggest investment I ever made on myself and it’s been paid off many times over. I learned and did so much on that computer. I used it for over 8 years before I bought a PowerBook G3 to go mobile. It still worked when I finally threw it out during my big move out to San Francisco this year. Most people would say that I overpaid for my Apple Computer, but that’s relative. The knowledge and experience I gained from using it is priceless.
Apple inspired me in many ways. My nawDsign logo was very much inspired by the Apple logo because of its simplicity. When I first started designing for the web, I looked to Apple’s UI and copied many of their interface elements. My first interactive project was done on a Mac using HyperCard. Yes, the same one they used to make Myst. I thought I was cutting edge and pushing the interactive limits at the time. I was the first to use sound and video in a class project. My design style still suck, but hey, I pushed the product to be its best.
I never knew much about Steve Jobs or did any research on him until his return to Apple in 1996 when rumors of Apple’s demise was near. Here was a company that made the best computer I had ever used. The best music device and recently the best phone even with its many connection flaws. I’ve learned that many of the great designs were the product of Steve Jobs with Jonathan Ive at the industrial design helm. They drew many inspiration from Dieter Rams and household appliance designs. They want their product to be used like any other appliance you have in your home, not just some cold hardware under your desk. This is what separates Apple from other computer makers. The tiny details that matter. It’s like an artist putting their final touches on a masterpiece. You might not notice it right away but when you do, if gives you a sense of excitement; A sense of surprise. Like when your significant other left you a present and you discover it later. It’s these tiny touch of detail that makes Apple a company of artists. People who care about their product and take ownership in what they do. If you’re going to stamp your name on your masterpiece, it has to be one of your best work. These are the things I see and take from Apple and Steve Jobs. I always work towards making the best product I can without compromise.
So I thank you, Steve Jobs for your inspiration and the guide to make better products. I never got to meet you in real life but your spirit lives on through my work. I dedicate my next jobs application to you. May your spirit rest in peace and you will forever be missed.
