Apple's Design Philosophy: From Picasso to Modern Innovators

Apple is known for its revolutionary approach to design, which has significantly influenced the tech industry and beyond. Many people wonder whether Apple's employees learn design principles from Pablo Picasso, a renowned artist who passed away in 1973. While the answer is not a straightforward 'yes' or 'no,' understanding the context of how Picasso's work has impacted Apple's design process provides valuable insight.

Is It True That Apple's Employees Learn Design from Pablo Picasso?

It is a popular misconception that Apple's employees learn design from Pablo Picasso. While Picasso's influence on the art world is undeniable, the truth is more nuanced. The claim is sometimes based on the illustrative use of The Bull as a design tutorial, where the 11 stages of design are traced in a bull-drawing. This method of teaching has been attributed to Picasso, but the original attribution is uncertain.

Another popular myth suggests that Picasso himself taught at Apple. In reality, the connection between Picasso and Apple is not direct. The Apple design philosophy is deeply rooted in the works of industrial designers who have shaped the company's aesthetic since its inception.

Apple's Real-Assessment of Design Influences

Apple's design philosophy and methodology are much more complex than simply learning from Picasso. The actual history of Apple and design begins long before Picasso ever left this world. Here are some key individuals and events that have shaped Apple's design journey:

Steve Jobs and the Apple 2e

The story of how Apple began its design journey is often traced back to Steve Jobs, who was instrumental in the creation of the Apple 2e. In the early 1980s, Jobs approached GVO (Graphics and Visual Omni) to create the Apple 2e. However, GVO declined the project. This rejection pushed Jobs to organize a design contest, which Frog Design ultimately won. Hartmut Esslinger, the founder of Frog Design, then led the design team that created the iconic Macintosh computer in 1984.

Steve Jobs' Forced Departure and the Rise of Jonny Ives

After the Macintosh's success, Steve Jobs was fired from Apple in 1985. He then founded NeXT, a computer company, and Pixar, an animation studio. The Macintosh's failure led to the integration of other design firms, such as frogDesign, into Apple's ecosystem. After Jobs returned to Apple in 1997, one of his core initiatives was to reinvent the Apple design approach. He hired Bob Brunner, an industrial designer who had previously worked with Frog Design, to oversee the Apple design team. Brunner then hired Jonny Ives, who would go on to become Apple's Chief Design Officer and lead the team that created the iMac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad.

The history of Apple and design is a long list of professional industrial designers from different countries and schools, such as Jonathan Ive, who has a background in industrial design from the Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London. These designers are not teaching directly from Picasso but rather seeking inspiration from a wide array of sources and methodologies.

The Case of Picasso's Influence

While Picasso's work did not directly inform Apple's design process, his unique approach to art did influence the broader context of modern design thinking. Picasso's experimentation with cubism, his interest in how different perspectives and techniques can transform visual representations, and his emphasis on the process of creation have had a lasting impact on designers across various fields.

The use of The Bull in Apple's design training is often seen as a metaphor for this process. In this tutorial, the steps in creating a bull are taken as a metaphor for the design process, emphasizing the iterative nature of design and the importance of revisiting and refining ideas. This method is more about teaching the principles of design, such as the importance of iterative refinement and the democratization of the creative process, rather than directly learning from Picasso himself.

Modern Design Innovators

Today, Apple's design philosophy is exemplified by its focus on user experience, simplicity, and integration. The company achieves this by combining meticulous attention to detail with cutting-edge technology. Modern design at Apple is a blend of local culture, global thinking, and innovative technology, as embodied by designers like Jonathan Ive and other accomplished professionals who have contributed to the ongoing legacy of Apple’s design.

Conclusion

While Pablo Picasso was a monumental figure in the art world, his direct influence on Apple's design process is more nuanced. Apple's design philosophy is shaped by a wide array of influences and individuals, with Picasso's work serving more as a metaphor for the iterative and experimental nature of design. The true story of Apple and design is a testament to the innovative spirit of its leaders and designers, who continue to push the boundaries of what technology and design can achieve.