Steve Jobs Spent 'Hour After Hour' On Product Design — 'He Cared About God Being In The Details,' Says Walter Isaacson

Steve Jobs dedicated “hour after hour” to the minutiae of product design at Apple Inc., driven by a belief of “God being in the details,” according to esteemed biographer Walter Isaacson, chronicler of some of the most influential figures in technology.

This philosophy was evident in Jobs’s hands-on involvement in creating iconic Apple products. Isaacson noted how Jobs's obsession with design extended to every aspect of a product, even those components that consumers would never see. This approach wasn't just about aesthetics; for Jobs, the care put into the unseen parts of a product was a testament to the integrity and quality of the entire creation.

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During an interview posted on YouTube, Isaacson highlighted Jobs’s sessions in Apple’s design studio, where he would scrutinize everything from the curvature of a computer’s casing to the layout of internal components. 

Jobs believed that true excellence in product design required a relentless pursuit of perfection, down to the smallest detail. This could mean countless revisions and discussions, often pushing his team to their limits but also driving them to innovate in ways they never thought possible.

Jobs's detailed-oriented methodology set a new standard in the tech industry, emphasizing the importance of design in product development. His legacy, detailed by Isaacson, shows a leader who demanded the best and deeply understood the elements that would appeal to users, both aesthetically and functionally.

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This detail-oriented approach to products helped make Apple into the powerhouse it is today. In its early days, Apple was dedicated to innovation, with the near-flawless design of the iPhone and iPad going largely unchanged since their inception over a decade ago. Although some now accuse Apple of incrementalism, it's hardly impacted the company and leaves opportunities for new and exciting startups to take the helm

Isaacson’s observations offer a window into Jobs’s mind, revealing how his focus on details was integral to Apple’s success. This approach led to groundbreaking products like the iPhone and MacBook, which seamlessly blend functionality with sleek, minimalist design. 

Through Isaacson’s narrative, it becomes clear that Jobs’s insistence on perfection in every aspect of design was not just about making products that looked good, but about creating devices that offer a revolutionary user experience, fundamentally changing how people interact with technology.

Jobs’s legacy, as articulated by Isaacson, is a reminder of the importance of detail in crafting products that are both functional and transformative. His philosophy continues to influence Apple and the broader tech industry, perpetuating a culture where design and detail are paramount.

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