Apple's design guru Jonathan Ive was knighted on Wednesday at Buckingham Palace by Princess Anne. And in a rare interview with the UK's Telegraph, Ive revealed some intriguing insights into what he thinks is his most important contribution to the company.
Ive has been working at Apple since 1992. He's been head of design since 1997, and was honored with a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) ranking in 2005. Ive credited his interest in design to his father, who was a craftsman. He also gave a nod to his home country's history in design and industry. "I’m very aware of an incredible tradition in the UK of designing and making, and so to be recognised in this way is really wonderful," Ive said.
When asked about what he'd most like to be remembered for, Ive gave a tantalizing response: "What we’re working on now feels like the most important and the best work we’ve done, and so it would be what we’re working on right now, which of course I can’t tell you about.”
Well, Sir Ive, we can't say we're not duly intrigued.
The new knight also spoke to Apple's design philosophy. "Our products are tools and we don’t want design to get in the way. We’re trying to bring simplicity and clarity."
Former Apple CEO Steve Jobs reportedly almost scored a knighthood back in 2009 for introducing revolutionary products like the iPhone and iPod to the world.
