Renowned designer Jony Ive reflects on his time with Steve Jobs, pondering what his late partner would do in the face of modern innovation. As he looks to the future, Ive remains optimistic about technology’s potential to improve human lives.
Sir Jony Ive, the renowned designer behind Apple’s iconic brands, still finds himself pondering a question that has been etched in his mind since Steve Jobs‘ passing in 2011. Despite being explicitly told not to consider what Jobs would do, Ive admits to frequently asking himself: ‘I wonder what Steve would do?‘
Jony Ive, Apple's former Chief Design Officer, worked closely with co-founder Steve Jobs to revolutionize the company's product design.
The two met in 1992 when Ive joined Apple as a young designer.
Jobs was impressed by Ive's work on the 'Newton personal digital assistant' and tasked him with redesigning the iMac computer.
Their collaboration led to iconic products like the iPod, iPhone, and iPad.
Ive's minimalist aesthetic and attention to detail complemented Jobs' passion for innovation and user experience.
This introspection is a testament to the profound impact Jobs had on Ive‘s career and personal life. The two worked closely together at Apple, with Jobs returning to the company in 1996 after a brief departure. Ive recalls the significant improvement that came with Jobs‘ return, stating that ‘despite the limitations of my ability to communicate, Steve understood what I thought and how I felt.‘
Steve Jobs was a pioneering entrepreneur, inventor, and designer who co-founded 'Apple Inc.'.
Born on February 24, 1955, in San Francisco, California, Jobs grew up in Mountain View, California.
He attended Reed College but dropped out due to the financial burden on his parents.
In 1976, Jobs and Steve Wozniak founded Apple, which revolutionized personal computing with the Apple I and Apple II.
After a power struggle, Jobs left Apple in 1985 but returned in 1997 to lead the company's resurgence.
He introduced innovative products like the iMac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad, transforming the way people interact with technology.
Ive also defends Jobs against criticisms of being demanding and ruthless, arguing that such traits are often misunderstood. He believes that true innovation requires a clear vision and a willingness to take risks, saying: ‘If you have such a clear, pure view of creating something new… if you are serious about actually wanting to develop and make it, you can’t just say ‘well, here’s an idea’ because if that’s how you’re going to behave, it will remain an idea.‘
Art, Design, and the Impact of Technology
In addition to his reflections on Jobs, Ive shares his concerns about the lack of understanding and appreciation for art and design in many schools. He recalls being questioned by teachers about his intelligence due to his shyness and love for making things. This experience has led him to advocate for a more holistic approach to education, one that values creativity and imagination.
Ive also expresses worry about the potential negative consequences of technology, which he has helped shape through his work at Apple. He praises the benefits brought by the iPhone but acknowledges the need for responsible innovation, saying: ‘We need time to understand and react‘ to the rapid development of AI and other technologies.
Technology has undergone significant transformations since its inception.
From the invention of the first computer in 1936 to the development of the internet, it has revolutionized the way we live and interact with each other.
The introduction of mobile devices and social media platforms has further accelerated this process.
According to a report by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), there were over 4.9 billion active internet users worldwide in 2020.
This number is expected to continue growing, with an estimated 5.3 billion people using the internet by 2023.
A New Era of Innovation
Despite these concerns, Ive remains optimistic about the future of technology and its potential to improve human lives. His recent collaboration with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has left him inspired by the possibilities of AI, which he believes can be a powerful tool for innovation. However, he emphasizes the need for caution and careful consideration in the development of these technologies.
Ive‘s musical choices on Desert Island Discs offer a glimpse into his personality and values, with Don’t You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds and part of the soundtrack from Wall-E showcasing his appreciation for creativity and imagination.
