The design was dismissed as unattractive by some, and the device’s functionality itself was questioned as being superfluous. It wasn’t considered a winner instantly either. Justin Sullivan/Getty ImagesĪfter that, the Apple Watch went on to become not just the best selling smartwatch, but the world’s best selling watch too. It justifiably surpassed the fervor that surrounded the iPad, in my opinion. It was packed, the interest was huge, and there was genuine excitement over a brand new product from Apple. An entire corner of the store had been turned over to the Watch, with each version on display for people to use and try on. ![]() I recall going to the original Apple Watch launch at a massive department store in London. Ive designed two sizes so it would fit all wrists, worked on multiple straps and bracelets because tactility and beauty mattered, and even made a premium model that cost more than most used cars, because luxury watches are always desirable. Watches were the plaything of the collector, or a relic of days past, because we all checked the time on our phones. ![]() Think back to when the Apple Watch first came out. This collaborative approach may be the shape of things to come for Apple and Ive - but more on that in a moment. It’s important for another reason too - Apple and Ive consulted with watchmaking experts to get it right. However, if there is a Jony Ive-designed product that stands out to me for its foresight, beautiful simplicity, and as industry-changing as the original iPhone, it’s the Apple Watch. Apple Watch Nike Sport Band strap Andy Boxall/ The iPhone’s battery case isn’t a winner, the recent Mac Pro has split opinion, and the less said about butterfly keyboards the better. If Ive is known as a designer, what has he designed that you’ve used, or are using? The list is long, often illustrious, and sometimes even a bit disappointing - ranging from the original iPhone, to the iMac, the iPad, modern iterations of iOS and MacOS, and even the Apple Campus. Ive’s is for services to design and enterprise. You don’t get the honor of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) or Knight of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) without making a substantial contribution to your chosen field. This is also evidenced in the honors he received in his home country. ![]() Ive is a designer, and everyone knows him as one. Even if people recognize names like Sir James Dyson, legends like Sir Clive Sinclair, or software masterminds like Sid Meier, it’s rarely as designers, and more as entrepreneurs or luminaries. The 3rd Generation iMac, nicknamed “Bondi Blue” Marcin Wichary/Flickrĭon’t believe me? Who designed the Galaxy S10? The BlackBerry Bold? How about the LG Watch Urbane? What about that swish Smeg range? Even designers of beautiful pieces of tech from companies like Bang & Olufsen struggle to find the recognition Ive has cultivated with his work and singular association with Apple. His name affords the same recognition as Alec Issigonis (the designer of the original Mini), and a legion of fashion designers from Pierre Cardin to Calvin Klein but in the world of tech, he stands almost alone. Jony Ive’s name is known, and not just to those wired into the industry, or lifelong Apple devotees. How many designers do you know by name?Ī legacy of products is one thing, but even in today’s climate of tech executive adoration, the name of the person that designed even the most eye-catching products is rarely known. We’re going to continue to see his creations, both inside and outside the campus he designed for Apple. A more measured approach to what is undoubtably a transformative time for Ive and Apple itself is needed, at least to truly appreciate what is the end of one era and the beginning of another. That said, gushing, laudatory reactions more fitting to the man’s obituary are also unnecessary. Spiteful, derogatory, and dismissive, none take into account the impact most products that occupy the pages of his sketchpad have on us, and the entire industry. This is just a small selection of the less-than kind comments found on articles about Sir Jony Ive (I’m British, so I have no problem calling him by his title, unlike others) leaving Apple to start his own design firm. ![]() “Many Apple products could use a big design refresh anyway.”
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