Every so often, interesting tidbits surface about how Apple operates inside 1 Infinite Loop. TheNextWeb provides a really awesome insight into the top secret product development process at Apple. From just thoughts to actual public release, there are eight steps to make sure the product is the best it can be.
While these titles are obviously not the official ones used inside Apple headquarters, they give a general understanding of what goes on during each step. Here are summary’s of each step. If you want to check out the full write-up, click here.
- Every product at Apple starts with design.
Design is the first step in the product process and it starts with Jony Ive. It starts in the Industrial Design studio and only a small number of employees are allowed in. - A start-up is formed.
A team of employees are put together and sections of the building become locked off. The team reports directly to executives. - Apple New Product Process (ANPP).
This stage maps out every process to come and who will be responsible for what. - Products are reviewed every Monday.
The executive team meets every Monday to discuss all of Apple’s products that are in production. - The EPM mafia.
The Engineering Program Manager (EPM) and the Global Supply Manager (GSM) are the two people who are responsible for making the product come to life. - Once a product is done, it is designed, built and tested again.
This step explains why we see so many versions of products get leaked out of Apple’s factories. Once they have a product, they basically start over again making changes. - The packaging room.
The packaging room is where Apple perfects the box. - The launch is controlled by the Rules of the Road.
Rules of the Road is a top secret document that outlines every step in making a great product launch.
This revealed some great insights that many of us probably did not know about. Even more insight into Apple can be found in the book “Inside Apple“, which is a very good read — and that’s coming from someone who never picks up a book.
