Think Different 2024 remaster and a look into the most human era of Apple design

How our relationship to Pixar Touched People's Lives

anthropomorphism /ăn″thrə-pə-môr′fĭz″əm/
noun

1. Attribution of human motivation, characteristics, or behavior to inanimate objects, animals, or natural phenomena.

As a foundational member of Apple's design team from 1999 to 2005, I was deeply involved in the period where our designs began to take on a life of their own - literally. Reflecting on those transformative years, I offer a unique insider's perspective on how Apple's collaboration with Pixar influenced our design philosophy, culminating in creations like the iMac G4 and the MacOS X icons.

Apple products had far more anthropomorphic qualities because of Apple's relationship to Pixar

The Pixar Effect

Our design ethos during this era was profoundly impacted by our interaction with Pixar. Steve Jobs, straddling both worlds, was instrumental in this. The Pixar approach was not just about animation; it was about storytelling, character, and emotion. This thinking permeated our design process, especially evident in the iMac G4. The iMac was not just another computer; it was a character in the user's story, a friendly entity in their living space. This design was intentional, aiming to bridge the gap between technology and human emotion.

Embracing Anthropomorphism in Apple's Products

With the iMac G4, affectionately nicknamed the "iLamp", we ventured into uncharted design territory. The design mimicked a living creature - a flexible neck and a 'face-like' screen that seemed to 'look' at the user. This anthropomorphic design was a strategic choice, aimed at making technology more approachable and less intimidating. The iMac G4 was not just a product; it was a companion, an entity that users could interact with on a personal level.

The Transformation of MacOS X Icons

This design philosophy extended beyond hardware to influence the MacOS X icons. We envisioned these icons as more than functional symbols; they were to have personality, to be playful, and to connect with the user on an emotional level. This was a stark contrast to the standard icons of the past and represented a new way of thinking about user interaction in the digital space.

Special Edition for Members

To commemorate this era of innovative design, I’m releasing a special edition for my members, featuring a collection of 25 digitally remastered 'Think Different' posters. These posters, embodying the spirit of innovation and risk taking at Apple, are a perfect gift for the Apple enthusiast in your life, just in time for the holiday season.

Framed and Printed editions are available at: https://darius.design/thinkdifferent2024

Think Different 2024 remaster: Paid subscribers of skeuomorphic.design get access to a growing collection of over 40 Think Different 2024 remastered posters (available today)