Jony Ive is responsible for overseeing the birthing of Apple’s entire product line, including the iPhone and iPad. Steve Jobs was his best friend, and he is considered a legend in the design community. Heck, the Queen of England has even knighted him twice!
So, when Ive talks, the world listens. Speaking at the British Embassy’s Creative Summit recently, Ive shared some of his own philosophies, including a core belief he shares with Apple as a company: the desire to not make money, but a good product.
As one of the most valuable companies—and certainly the most valuable tech company—on earth, Apple is expected to blow away Wall Street’s expectations ever quarter. The company’s Q3 results failed to meet expectations and AAPL stock took a dive, and yet Apple’s coffers are still lined with over $100 billion in cash. That kind of money is unprecedented for any tech company.
Wired was there to hear Ive share at the Creative Summit. What he had to say shouldn’t surprise anyone who follows Apple:
“We are really pleased with our revenues but our goal isn’t to make money. It sounds a little flippant, but it’s the truth. Our goal and what makes us excited is to make great products. If we are successful people will like them and if we are operationally competent, we will make money,” he said.
Ive went on to talk about how “really great design is hard” and his favorite part of the design process at Apple. While shorter than the London Evening Standard’s and The Telegraph’s profile on Ive, Wired’s article is definitely worth a read.
Source: Wired
Alex Heath is a journalist who works for Tech Insider. He’s the former co-host of The CultCast. He has been quoted by the likes of the BBC, KRON 4 News, and books like “ICONIC: A Photographic Tribute to Apple Innovation.” He lives in Lexington, Kentucky. If you want to pitch a story, share a tip, or just get in touch, additional contact information is available on his personal site. Follow him on Twitter.
5 responses to “Apple Design Guru Jony Ive Speaks At Creative Summit, Says “Our Goal Isn’t To Make Money””
Refreshing. Those who have studied even a tiny bit of history will know that this is actually what business is supposed to be all about. The idea that all Capitalism is concerned with is “making money” is actually a revisionist, extremist, ideology that’s been added on top.
No arguments here. It’s all about the passion of what you do that makes the difference. No one is better at design than Mr. Ive.
Couldn’t agree more!!
Apple doesn’t treat the technology industry like a commodity. It sells a product that’s above just “any” PC. It’s selling an experience that can’t be had anywhere else. A shopping experience that’s unmatched in the tech industry. And an approach to liberal arts and technology that was more or less invented by Apple.
Ive is taking the Field of Dreams approach, “If you build it, they will come.”
Sir Jony, Sir Jony, SIR JONATHAN IVE! Please add his prefix, especially when he speaks at the British embassy.
Not to put words in Ive’s mouth, but ….
I think the more accurate statement should be:
Apple’s “primary” goal is not money … it’s making great products.
Of course, if you do it right … and Apple usually does … then great products create great profits.