Innovators who broke the rules #1

This mini series will feature innovators that have broken the rules, revolutionised their industries and left a lasting impression that can be seen still to this day. We begin with Steve Jobs.

Steve was an incredible innovator who changed the way we saw and used technology like no other.

I think one of the things that made him such a great visionary, designer and CEO of Apple, was the fact that he always strived for perfection. Even though he created products that have changed our lives, he never got complacent and was always looking at what’s NeXT.

I believe one of the key elements needed to create original design is to first familiarise yourself with the fundamental rules of the craft. And once you’ve learnt why certain limits and boundaries exist – learn the best ways to break them.

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

– STEVE JOBS

I found What’s Wanted vs What’s Needed over on Dave Trott’s blog via David Airey. A fascinating conversation between Steve Jobs and Paul Rand, which gives you a little insight into their working relationship.

photos above & below via allaboutstevejobs.com

I was studying graphic design at the School of Art and Design in Kingston when the iPod started to be become a trend.

As the weeks went on, I distinctly remember walking through Kingston high street and spotting dozens of people wearing white earphones. My first reaction was one of naivety. Why white? White plastic just looks tacky. They should’ve stuck with black or silver (like everyone else).

The irony is, years later I started writing the initial ideas for this post on my iPhone. Whilst listening to music through those very same and now iconic white earphones.

Apple doesn’t just make a product, they completely change people’s perception of what’s stylish, what’s the future and what’s going to be ‘trendy’ in the months and years to come.

Steve Jobs was known for breaking the rules and as we all know, white earphones was just one of many.

Around the time of his premature death, many things were said about Steve. But one statement a fan said stuck out for me: Steve Jobs. Closest thing we had to Tony Stark.

A great observation and I couldn’t agree more. Steve was an incredible man and he will be missed.

What are your thoughts on Steve Jobs? And how has he changed your perspective? Share your thoughts.

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