Steve Jobs perfect response to an insult. Worldwide developer conference 1997.

Summary

In this candid discussion, Steve Jobs addresses the challenges of balancing technological advancements with customer experience, specifically regarding Apple’s vision and the OpenDoc initiative. He emphasizes the importance of starting with the customer experience and working backward to technology, reflecting on the success of the LaserWriter printer. Jobs acknowledges mistakes, stresses the hard work of Apple's team, and underscores the need for support and innovation, despite the inevitable setbacks. His insights focus on refining Apple's strategy, valuing practical decision-making, and delivering impactful applications to meet market demands.

Takeaways

• 😀 Steve Jobs acknowledges the influence of the person he's speaking to but critiques their understanding of certain technical concepts.
• 😀 Jobs challenges the individual to clarify how Java addresses the principles of open standards, like OpenDoc.
• 😀 He expresses the difficulty in balancing new technology with a cohesive, marketable vision that will generate significant revenue.
• 😀 Jobs emphasizes the importance of focusing on customer experience first, then working backward to technology.
• 😀 Reflecting on his own past mistakes, Jobs shares the lesson that starting with customer needs rather than technology leads to success.
• 😀 He recalls the success of Apple's LaserWriter printer, which became a game-changer by delivering impressive technology with a clear customer benefit.
• 😀 Jobs expresses regret that OpenDoc didn't fit into Apple's larger vision but still acknowledges its contributions.
• 😀 Jobs admits that there are areas where he lacks expertise but shows humility and openness to learning.
• 😀 He reassures that Apple's team is working tirelessly to achieve success and is committed to creating great products despite the challenges.
• 😀 Jobs stresses that mistakes are inevitable in the innovation process, but they are important for growth and progress.

Q & A

What is the main criticism against Mr. Jobs in the transcript?

The main criticism against Mr. Jobs is that he doesn't have a clear understanding of certain topics, particularly how Java or its incarnations address the ideas behind OpenDoc.

What is Mr. Jobs' response to the criticism about his understanding of technology?

Mr. Jobs acknowledges that he may not have a perfect understanding of every topic and apologizes for areas where he might be mistaken, but he emphasizes the importance of the work being done at Apple.

What is the key idea Mr. Jobs stresses about Apple's product development strategy?

Mr. Jobs stresses that Apple starts with the customer experience and works backward to the technology, rather than beginning with the technology and trying to figure out how to market it.

How does Mr. Jobs describe the approach taken for the LaserWriter printer?

Mr. Jobs describes the development of the LaserWriter printer as an example of starting with the customer experience—creating a product that was easy for people to appreciate without needing to understand the complex technology inside.

What role does technology play in Apple's product strategy according to Mr. Jobs?

While technology is important, it is not the starting point for Apple's strategy. The focus is on the customer experience, and technology is used to enhance that experience.

What does Mr. Jobs think about OpenDoc and its role in Apple's success?

Mr. Jobs acknowledges that OpenDoc may have some value and offers benefits, but he believes its application within Apple's broader strategy and vision was not cohesive, which led to it being a casualty.

What does Mr. Jobs think about making mistakes in the development process?

Mr. Jobs accepts that mistakes will be made during the development process. However, he believes that making decisions and learning from mistakes is essential for progress and improvement.

How does Mr. Jobs describe the dedication of Apple's team members?

Mr. Jobs highlights the dedication of the Apple team, noting that many people are working extremely hard, even turning down offers for higher salaries, to ensure Apple's success.

What does Mr. Jobs believe is essential to support Apple's future growth?

Mr. Jobs believes that supporting the hardworking team members and ensuring they can develop high-quality applications is key to Apple's future success.

What is the overall tone of Mr. Jobs' response in the transcript?

The overall tone is a mix of acknowledgment, optimism, and confidence. Mr. Jobs recognizes the challenges and mistakes but remains focused on the importance of team effort and customer-centered innovation.