Which Is More Important – Designer Or Entrepreneur?
by: Chris Nielsen
The recent retirement of Steve Jobs from his CEO position brought to mind an age old question. Which is more important, the designer or the entrepreneur? This is like asking which came first, the chicken or the egg? When Apple began, who brought the most to the table, Steve Jobs or Steve Wozniak? Without Steve Wozniak’s creation, Steve Jobs would have had nothing to sell. Without the marketing skills of Steve Jobs would the buying public have ever become aware of the Apple computer?
The reality is that to be successful, both are equally necessary. Without new ideas for design and for marketing no product will likely ever see the light of day. Innovation in design and entrepreneurship go hand in hand. Apple became a success because there were both sides of the equation present to deliver an innovative product to the masses who did not even realize they were clamoring for the dawn of the age of personal computing. The whole package of hardware, software and creating the desire for personal use of technology to expand our universe made history and changed our world.
Apple and other successful companies need constant innovation in design and marketing. Steve Jobs proved this when he came back to lead Apple again when it was struggling. Now Apple has reached heights few companies will ever realize. With his skills as entrepreneur and teams of great designers Apple has soared. Some pundits see the downfall of Apple while seeming to forget that Jobs is now chairman of the board. No doubt he will continue to wield his influence for as long as possible. Even he has said Apple is not a one man show and it has the strength and plans to carry on when he is no longer around. As long as they keep the right mix of design and marketing skills, they will thrive.
