Core77

Here's an interview with Steve Jobs:
http://www.core77.com/blog/object_culture/jobs_interview_9158.asp

Any way, I work as an Interaction Designer, and from my experience customers don't have a clue what technology they want, they don't know what a new product should look like, they are incapable of being able to make these decisions on their own. But what I do know is that customers know exactly what makes for a really good Experience.
They don't do this by describing or drawing out what it is they want, they don't have those skills, but if you create it for them and then place it in front of them and ask them to play with it. They will give you a wealth of information, through verbal, non verbal and emotional responses.
What I've also found out is that most customers are not trend setters in society, most people struggle with creativity. Market research used in the right way and at the right times in a project can be very, very helpful.
It lets you step back every so often and see the bigger picture, see what's actually going on in the market, remember as a designer you need to not only be able to see the tree's but also the forest, market research lets you see the forest. The key is not to let market research be the main driver in a project, and if you find the information being given to you by market research to be a bit fluffy around the edges, it's your job as a designer, as a communicator and as a problem solver to approach your marketing and branding people to discuss what it is you require from them. If you get them on your side they become another very useful tool in your toolbox or research.

Oh and for everyone out there who might be wondering why there is metal on the back of your iPhones and iPods they are actually heat sinks, used to dissipate the heat produced by the internal electronic components. Same reason why your Macbook Pros have metal exterior, and why everything is so small, you get rid of the fan and bobs your uncle everything becomes flatter.