Objects of Our Life | Steve Jobs Archive

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses Steve Jobs' presentation at the 1983 International Design Conference in Aspen, where he spoke about the future of computers and the importance of design in shaping the user experience.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Steve Jobs' Presentation at the Aspen Design Conference

1. What was the main message of Steve Jobs' presentation?

• Steve Jobs emphasized the need for designers to help shape the future of computers, as the industry was on the verge of rapid growth and adoption.
• He expressed concern that computers could become "one more piece-of-junk-object" if the design was not given proper attention, and he appealed to the audience of designers for their help.
• Jobs wanted to ensure that computers would become an intuitive and engaging tool for the "rest of us", not just technical experts.

2. How did Jobs prepare for this presentation?

• Jobs had been studying design extensively, learning from experts and observing well-designed products across various industries.
• He had a blue spiral notebook with him on stage, which he regularly consulted to provide historical context and technical details about the evolution of computers.
• Jobs wanted this presentation to be impactful, as he saw it as a critical opportunity to engage the design community and shape the future of personal computing.

3. What were some of the key topics and ideas that Jobs discussed in his presentation?

• He provided a history of computing, from the first computer science degree to the pioneering ENIAC computer and timesharing models.
• He discussed the potential of computers to enable new forms of communication, creativity, and interaction, such as email, interactive maps, and voice-based interfaces.
• Jobs emphasized the importance of creating an engaging and intuitive user experience, with features like multiple fonts and graphics, to draw people to computers and help them discover new ideas.
• He expressed a desire to "inject some liberal arts into these computers", highlighting his belief that design and aesthetics were crucial to the success of personal computing.

4. How did the audience respond to Jobs' presentation?

• The audience was initially hesitant, as many had little experience with personal computers.
• However, as Jobs demonstrated the capabilities of computers and their potential impact, the audience became more engaged and enthusiastic, especially about the prospect of their children having access to these technologies.
• The presentation ended with a standing ovation, indicating the audience's appreciation for Jobs' vision and passion.

[02] Steve Jobs' Approach to Design and Innovation

1. How did Steve Jobs develop his understanding and appreciation for design?

• Jobs actively studied design, observing well-designed products across various industries, from kitchen appliances to motorcycles.
• He hired designers like Jerry Manock to work at Apple and participated in the company's design meetings, offering his own critiques and ideas.
• Jobs believed that good design was not just about decoration, but about revealing an object's essence and creating an emotional connection with the user.
• He curated his own life, choosing to live in a minimalist space with a few exquisite items, to further develop his design sensibilities.

2. What was Jobs' perspective on innovation and the role of technology?

• Jobs viewed innovation as a "constant accretion of sedimentary layers", where each generation builds upon the ideas and breakthroughs of the past.
• He believed that technology should be designed to be intuitive and accessible, helping to "inject some liberal arts" and enabling people to discover new ideas and express themselves in new ways.
• Jobs' goal was to create a sense of inevitability around the use of computers, where they would become so integrated into people's lives that they would be taken for granted, just like other ubiquitous tools and technologies.

3. How did Jobs' desire to "put something back" shape his approach to work and innovation?

• Jobs emphasized that people are constantly "taking" from the pool of human knowledge and experiences, and he felt a strong desire to "put something back" through his work.
• This drive to contribute and create something meaningful underpinned his commitment to Apple and his work in personal computing, as he saw it as an opportunity to shape the future and leave a lasting impact.