Steve Jobs had a unique relationship with the design team, treating us not just as employees but as an invaluable asset crucial to the company’s future. He believed that design was not merely an aesthetic layer applied to a finished product, but an integral part of the product itself. This philosophy elevated the status of the design team within Apple, and Jobs took several steps to ensure they had the resources, environment, and autonomy they needed to excel.

One of the most notable aspects of this special treatment was the level of access the design team had to Jobs himself. While he was a busy CEO with a multitude of responsibilities, Jobs made it a point to be deeply involved in the design process. He would often hold regular meetings with key designers to discuss ongoing projects, review prototypes, and explore new ideas. This direct line to the company’s top leadership was rare in a corporation of Apple’s size and was a clear indicator of the design team’s importance.

Jobs also created a work environment tailored to the needs of designers. The design studio was often described as a “sacred space,” accessible only to a select few and designed to be isolated from the distractions and bureaucracy that could hinder creativity. Jobs was known to shield the design team from internal politics and gave them an unusual degree of freedom to explore, experiment, and even fail. This autonomy was coupled with significant investment in state-of-the-art tools and materials, allowing designers to push the boundaries of what was technically possible.

In essence, the design team at Apple didn’t just get special treatment; they were the embodiment of Jobs’ belief that design is at the intersection of technology and liberal arts. By giving us the resources and freedom to innovate, Jobs was investing in what he saw as the core of Apple’s identity and the key to its future.