Core77

At SXSW, Michael Lopp, a senior engineering manager at Apple, took a stab at explaining why Apple nails design on the head every time while other companies struggle and fail to keep up. Businessweek reports:

After describing Apple's process of delivering consumers with a succession of presents ("really good ideas wrapped up in other really good ideas" -- in other words, great software in fabulous hardware in beautiful packaging), he asked the question many have asked in their time: "How the f*ck do you do that?"

The seemingly fool-proof process includes pixel-perfect mockups, development in a succession of 10 to 3 to 1 concepts, twice weekly brainstorming/production meetings, and "pony" meetings (think "I want a pony!!").

thanks steve!