On Being Design-Driven
From Barron’s (via 9to5mac), regarding the oft-rumored Apple tablet:
Whatever the exact dates, the computer industry is so anxious to see what Apple introduces that it has held off on competing designs until Apple CEO Steve Jobs gives the device his final blessing. “It’s close enough now to a final design that in Asia, there’s no other product in the waiting room or in the bullpen,” said the analyst. “There are dozens of ODMs [original device makers] making products for Lenovo and other PC makers that are all waiting to see what the Apple product is.”
Granted this is only a rumor, it seems as though manufacturers are clearing the pipeline so they can quickly ramp up knock-off production. With all of Apple’s success, I’m surprised it hasn’t occurred to them that making desirable hardware is only part of what Apple does so well. If you can’t compete on design and desirability throughout the entire product ecosystem (hardware, software, packaging, experience), then don’t. If your company isn’t design-driven, creating a well-engineered object won’t get you much – ask Motorola about the RAZR! Consider competing where you have an advantage – cost, for example.