Definition
The Insanely Great Product Standard is a commitment to uncompromising quality that transcends the typical industry benchmarks of “adequate” or “competitive.” It demands that a product be a work of art, beautiful even in the parts that will never be seen by the customer.
Why It Matters
In a world of “good enough,” “insanely great” is the only standard that creates legendary, category-defining products. It is the belief that every detail—even the ones the customer can’t see—matters because quality is a binary state: you either have it or you don’t. This standard isn’t just about the product; it’s about building a culture of excellence that attracts the world’s best talent.
Core Concepts
- Rejection of Adequacy: Steve Jobs believed that “adequacy is sufficient” (Adam Osborne’s rule) was morally appalling. A product must strive for perfection in every detail.
- The “Unseen” Rule: True craftsmanship requires that the back of the fence, the underside of the cabinet, and the internal layout of the circuit board be as beautiful as the front.
- A-Player Requirement: Maintaining this standard requires a team of only “A-Plus” players. Jobs believed that “B” players lead to a “Bozo Explosion” that degrades the standard over time.
- User-Centric Intuition: The product should be so “insanely great” that its value is visceral and intuitive to the user, not something that needs to be explained or justified with benchmarks.