GoonSteve Jobs' Honest Response to a Tough Question at the 1997 Worldwide Developer Conference
The Question That Started It All
This is where Steve Jobs responds to a tough question at the 1997 WWDC
The question was asked by a developer who was frustrated with the lack of clear direction and strategy from Apple. The developer, who was clearly passionate about the platform, asked Steve Jobs to explain how Java addresses the ideas embodied in OpenDoc and to provide a clear vision for the company's future.
Steve Jobs' Response
Steve Jobs, known for his honesty and candor, took a deep breath and began to address the question. He started by acknowledging the complexity of the issue and the fact that Apple had made mistakes in the past.
Steve Jobs' honest response to the question
He then went on to explain that Apple's strategy was to focus on the customer experience and work backwards to the technology. He emphasized that the company had to start with the customer's needs and then figure out how to deliver those needs through technology.
The Importance of Focusing on the Customer
Steve Jobs explained that Apple's approach was to focus on the customer experience, stating that "you can't start with the technology and try to figure out where you're going to sell it." He shared a personal anecdote about the development of the laser writer, which was a groundbreaking technology at the time.
Steve Jobs talks about the laser writer
He explained that the company's focus on the customer experience was what drove the success of the laser writer, and that it was essential to remember that the customer doesn't care about the technology itself, but rather the benefits it provides.
Addressing the Criticisms
Steve Jobs also addressed the criticisms of OpenDoc, acknowledging that it was a casualty of the company's mistakes. However, he emphasized that the team at Apple was working hard to execute on the company's strategy and that mistakes would be made along the way.
Steve Jobs addresses the criticisms of OpenDoc
Conclusion
In conclusion, Steve Jobs' response to the tough question at the 1997 WWDC was a testament to his honesty and commitment to focusing on the customer experience. He acknowledged the company's mistakes, emphasized the importance of starting with the customer's needs, and expressed his confidence in the team at Apple.
