Jony Ive’s Post-Apple Vision: From iPhone Consequences to an ‘Ornament Era’
Jony Ive, the former design chief at Apple, is charting a new course, driven by both reflection on the 'unintended consequences' of the iPhone and a embrace of what he calls his 'ornament era.' This shift in focus promises to bring a unique perspective to his upcoming projects, particularly his collaboration with OpenAI.
Ive, who spent over two decades shaping Apple's iconic designs, including the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, expressed concern about the potential negative impacts of smartphones during an interview with Stripe. "I think when you’re innovating, of course, there will be unintended consequences," he stated, adding that he feels obliged to 'own' these consequences, driving his current work at his design firm, LoveFrom.
This sense of responsibility stems from his belief that technology's rapid advancement requires careful consideration of its societal effects. He specifically highlighted his concern regarding social media's lack of initial safety discussions, contrasting it with the current emphasis on safety in AI development. Ive expressed optimism that AI discussions now appropriately consider safety.
Details remain scarce about the new device Ive is developing with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Reports suggest LoveFrom is spearheading the design, with key figures from the iPhone's design team involved. The collaboration aims to leverage AI to create a product offering more value to users than traditional software, heralding what could be a new paradigm in device design.
Beyond OpenAI, Ive's design philosophy appears to be evolving. In a fireside chat with Stripe CEO Patrick Collison, Ive hinted at a shift towards a more decorative approach, dubbing this his 'ornament era.' This contrasts with the minimalism that defined his work at Apple, influenced by Dieter Rams' 'less but better' principle.
Examples of this new direction can be seen in LoveFrom's projects, such as the ornate logo designed for King Charles III's coronation. Ive explained that projects vary according to the clients requirements. He mentioned that his team now consists of industrial, graphic, sound designers architects, typographers, and musicians, indicating a broader creative palette.
Ive emphasized the importance of joy in technology, suggesting that it has been overlooked in the pursuit of complex solutions. By blending design with purpose, he seems set on creating products that not only function effectively but also resonate with users on a deeper, more emotional level.
What will Ive’s "ornament era" mean for the future of technology? Will his focus on the unintended consequences of innovation lead to more responsible and user-centric designs? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
