What We Can Learn About Web Design from Steve Jobs

Many web designers are hard-core Apple fans. Back in the day, the old print design studios used Macs exclusively because if you wanted to do desktop publishing, there was only one choice – a Mac running PageMaker. Today, when you walk into a design studio, they’re still mostly using Macs. Why, you ask? Well, in the words of Steve Jobs, Steve Jobs managed a huge company and international brand, and was the father of so many fascinating ideas that it’s impossible not to pay attention to him. There are many lessons that can be learned from Steve Jobs and how to apply them in effective web design.

Design is Decisive.

Apple is a design-led company. The hardware is lovely, but it’s also deeper than that. From both a hardware and software perspective, Apple products are well thought through, and designers by nature really like this attention to detail. A solid marketing plan can help convince people to buy a product or require the services of somebody but once they are disappointed by these, they won’t ever come back. Steve Jobs took this into account and insisted on manufacturing the best quality on the market. From iPads, iPhones and iPods any designer understands that, in the competitive global economic market, a product is appreciated only if it has a great design. The same can be said about a website. It should not only be attractive but also top quality. A misshaped logo or a bad color combination repels website visitors like the plague. Just one neglected detail will send customers looking elsewhere.

It’s Not Luck. It’s Marketing.

Marketing isn’t optional. The notion “if you build it, they will come” is ill-conceived. This is one reason why most startup companies fail within their first four years of operation. We are an information led society. Customers need to be informed on where you are located, how to reach you, and what products or services you offer. In order to be noticed by your potential customers, a strategy is required to be recognized. This aspect is one of the strongest facets of the Apple brand and is a good example for any business, large or small. You might be the best doctor/seamstress/baker/etc. in the world, but if you aren’t known by your target audience or found on the internet, you don’t exist. Offer the best services and products to your clients BUT make sure your search engine ranking is in the top for Google, Yahoo and Bing searches.

Tags: Miscellaneous • Web Design