RA+LAB+1


 * 1. Inside the Apple iPod Design Triumph **
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 * Question: Describe the unusual business model used in the iPod's fabrication as developed by Apple.**

Apple employed an unusual business strategy to create their iPod. Apple teamed up with several companies to form relationships with third parties that helped create the iPod. Apple was able to partner with Sony, Toshiba, Linear Technology, and more. Such companies provided the iPod with a lithium battery, 1.8 inch hard drive, and power management. Much of this technology were being used for the very first time. This strategy helped Apple to focus primarily on the iPod's interface allowing Apple to maximize the iPod's technological advances.


 * 2. Jonathan Ive at the Design Museum**
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 * Question: What distinguishes the work of the team of Jobs and Ive in relation to products designed by Apple? What new materials are enabling different design?**

Jobs and Ive paid special attention to Apple's designs, their focus was on simplicity. Jobs and Ive both together make a great team. Jobs and Ive seem to share remarkable chemistry as their focus has taken Apple to unforeseen new heights. This is evident with their "obsessive attention to details that are often overlooked" i.e., cables and power adapters. Together they focus on designs and structures usually overlooked by their competitors. This ultimately resulted in Apple taking the lead in well designed and innovative products. The use of plastic in their new materials facilitated a unique and different design. Even the iPod is made from twin-shot plastic. Using plastic allows for a simple design which still allows for an overall elegant look.

The design team of Apple has certainly been a crucial ingredient in the success of many products they offer. The ultimate strength of Apple’s design team is their dedication and attention to detail for their designs resulting in great products. Apple’s design team consists of designers, production engineers, marketers, manufacturing contractors, and more. Such crucial roles all work together in bringing expert knowledge from all important fields allowing great focus to detail. Given the success of Apple’s well assembled design team many companies and industries are implementing design teams. Unlike Apple, a limitation to forming a design team in other organizations is that too often they are not given as much liberty and freedom because these companies do not place high importance on a very user friendly and high quality design, and innovativeness of their products.
 * 3. Who Is Jonathan Ive?**
 * An in-depth look at the man behind Apple's design magic**
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 * Question: Describe the importance of Apple's design team. Are other companies trying to compete with Apple by creating their own design teams?**