Ex-Apple Designer Debunks Common Myths About the Company and Steve Jobs

Apple is often synonymous with impeccable design, yet few truly understand the creative processes behind the scenes. Mark Kawano, a former lead interface designer who spent seven years at Apple’s Cupertino headquarters, shared his insights in an exclusive interview with Fast Co. Design, debunking four widespread myths about Apple and Steve Jobs.

During his tenure, Kawano contributed to various projects, initially crafting interfaces for Aperture and iPhoto, then designing app elements for the iPhone, and ultimately focusing on promoting a user-friendly interface before his departure.

Myth #1: Apple Employs Only the Best Designers

Many believe Apple’s success stems from hiring top-tier specialists. Kawano clarifies, "The reality is simpler—everyone in the company contributes to the product’s appearance. Steve Jobs fostered a culture where all employees, regardless of role—engineer or marketer—are encouraged to provide design feedback. This collaborative environment led to remarkable ideas from unexpected sources without any pressure or threat of job loss. Employees genuinely strive to improve products."

This inclusive approach enhances the efficiency and creativity of Apple’s design teams compared to other companies.

Myth #2: Apple Has Thousands of Designers

While tech giants like Facebook and Google employ hundreds to thousands of designers, Apple’s design team is surprisingly small—around 100 members. Kawano explains, "Apple rarely hires designers with narrow specializations. I personally knew every designer by name. Leadership sets project directions and timelines, but there are no rigid constraints. Most work happens in small teams or even individually, except for major projects like the iOS 7 redesign, where nearly all designers collaborated."

Myth #3: Apple Spends Excessive Time on Minor Details

Apple products are known for their polished design elements, and many assume these details result from meticulous planning. Kawano reveals, "Most of these features emerged by chance. Designers never faced strict deadlines or targets—how can one create exceptional products when counting minutes to delivery? Despite this freedom, the team remained highly productive, often brainstorming during breaks. For example, the shaking menu to indicate a wrong password was conceived informally during lunch. Skeuomorphism also originated spontaneously when the team found replicating real-world objects intriguing."

Myth #4: Steve Jobs Was Overly Temperamental

Some media portray Jobs as a feared figure whose presence intimidated employees. Kawano counters, "Most employees loved their work and willingly dedicated long hours, often sacrificing weekends or vacations to collaborate with Steve. While some complained about the demands, those individuals rarely stayed long. Jobs didn’t dislike people; he simply didn’t want to work with those motivated only by money. He was both extremely open and highly demanding, and these traits sometimes seemed to conflict within him."

Source: Fast Co. Design

Note: Meta Platforms Inc., including Facebook and Instagram, is restricted in Russia.

Discover engaging topics and analytical content in Technologies as of 10-04-2022. The article titled " Ex-Apple Designer Debunks Common Myths About the Company and Steve Jobs " provides new insights and practical guidance in the Technologies field. Each topic is meticulously analyzed to deliver actionable information to readers.

The topic " Ex-Apple Designer Debunks Common Myths About the Company and Steve Jobs " helps you make smarter decisions within the Technologies category. All topics on our website are unique and offer valuable content for our audience.