Software Design over Function

[echnaret]

I was listening to NPR today, and there was a panel talking about Steve Jobs and his influence on software. One thing mentioned was his preference to emphasize design/the user interface/usability over functionality. He cared more about making a product intuitive than adding tons of features. Where as people used to struggle with getting operating systems (like older (and probably newer, as well) versions of Windows to work, the Apple OS was designed to "just work."

How do you think this has affected the software that we use today? When you focus on usability, do you think that has an impact on functionality? What do you normally focus on when designing your software?

[Nick]

I think both design and function go hand in hand personally. It is hard to have one without the other, although it is possible (and when it does happen, it's not good )