Designing apps to be iCompliant

Safeguarding Apple's Future by Making Applications Internet-Ready

Apple began prefixing product names with 'i' to denote internet connectivity, beginning with iMac in 1998. My insights helped ensure Apple's 'i' products lived up to this branding promise of connected experiences by thoughtfully incorporating cutting-edge web technologies in an accessible way.

It began subtly, with a project here and a consultation there. But as my expertise grew and as Apple's drive for Internet integration intensified, my role took center stage. Every time an application was developed or refined, teams began seeking my insights, ensuring these tools were not just functional but were also Internet-ready. My proficiency became instrumental in guiding design and development choices, ensuring our applications seamlessly intertwined with the growing digital realm.

The "i" was more than just a letter; it was a statement, an assurance to Apple lovers that the product they held was in sync with the Internet age. As teams brainstormed and conceptualized, they often turned to me, asking, "Is this 'i-ready'?" My affirmation became a green light that design systems were WebAqua, MacOS X and web standards compliant, a signal that the application was poised for the next era.

Over time, this distinction solidified my reputation within the company. I wasn't just another designer; I was the 'Internet-enabled apps guru'. My insights and validations shaped a generation of Apple products, ensuring they weren't just connected but were also emblematic of the Internet revolution.

A special invitation from Michael…

Dear readers,

In the spirit of craftsmanship that has always driven our work, I'm excited to share a unique opportunity to be part of a narrative that redefined the digital era. To honor the contributions of our community, I am offering a 20% discount which is good forever for those who join as annual members in the next chapter of this adventure: a book that captures the essence of our design breakthroughs.

Founding members will be acknowledged on the book's donors page in addition to their year membership. Your support is pivotal in bringing this story to print—a story that intertwines technology, design, and the human experience in ways that have forever altered how we interact with the digital world.

Skeuomorphic Design: Lessons from Apple's Golden Era (1999-2005) delves into the transformative years when Apple, under the guidance of Steve Jobs, championed skeuomorphic design to create some of the most iconic and people-friendly digital interfaces. Drawing from firsthand accounts of designers who worked closely with Jobs, this book offers a comprehensive guide to the principles, tools, and techniques that defined skeuomorphic design during this pivotal period. Featuring case studies of landmark Apple products and a detailed look at the design environment fostered by Jobs, this book serves as both a historical document and a practical manual. It aims to inspire and educate designers, historians, and design enthusiasts about the art and craft of creating digital interfaces that mimic real-world experiences.

Your engagement as either an annual member or a founding member will not only help preserve the rich history of design that we have crafted together but will also continue to inspire future generations of creators and innovators.

I look forward to rekindling the magic that we created and sharing it with the world through your eyes and stories.

Warm regards,
Michael Darius
Darius/Design

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