The Apple Design Process of Demos, Decisions & Feedback with Ken Kocienda
Summary
Leander Kahney interviews Ken Kocienda, former Apple engineer and author of *Creative Selection*, about his 15-year tenure developing Safari, the iPhone, and iPad. Kocienda details Apple’s iterative "creative selection" process, emphasizing rapid prototyping and demos over brainstorming. He shares insights on the intense development of the iOS keyboard, Steve Jobs’ decisive feedback style, and the technical complexities behind autocorrect and user interface design.
Topics discussed
Introduction and sponsor message
Ken Kushner's background and the iPod era
Programming without math and the Newton failure
The crisis of the iPhone keyboard prototype
Creative selection and the demo process
Demoing to Steve Jobs and his feedback
Keyboard design details and visual feedback
Autocorrection algorithms and forbidden words
Collaboration between engineers and designers
Sponsor message: Apple Watch Store
Scott Forstall's role and Steve's demo habits
Steve Jobs' keynote preparation and rehearsals
Safari's speed as a marketing and design goal
Seven elements of Apple's design process
Apple's innovation post-Steve Jobs and conclusion
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