Creative Selection

by Ken Kocienda
Creative Selection cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Technology and Innovation
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Waterstones
Paperback • £12.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 911
  • Added: 2025-09-21
  • Updated: 2025-09-21
  • ISBN: 9781250194473
  • Publisher: St. Martin's Press
  • Published: 2018-09-04
  • Formats: 25
  • Reviews: 3

Creative Selection offers an unprecedented look into the inner workings of Apple during its most innovative years. Ken Kocienda, a respected software engineer, shares his firsthand experiences working on groundbreaking products like the iPhone, iPad, and Safari web browser. This book is not just about the technology; it's about the people, the processes, and the culture that drove Apple's success. Through personal anecdotes and insights, Kocienda explores the essential elements of innovation, including inspiration, collaboration, craft, and empathy. He provides a unique perspective on how a small team of dedicated individuals developed an evolutionary design model that led to intuitive and revolutionary software. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in technology, design, and the creative process behind some of the world's most beloved products.

Reviews
Product Thinking · Kyle Evans · 2021-07-27
intriguing 3.00

The book offers intriguing behind-the-scenes stories from Apple but falls short in providing deeper insights into product development. It highlights the creative process but lacks depth for product professionals.

Kyle Evans appreciates the book for its engaging anecdotes from Apple's development era, particularly the insights into the creative process. However, they feel it doesn't delve deeply enough into the product development methodologies, leaving product professionals wanting more. The book is praised for its storytelling but criticized for its lack of actionable insights for those looking to apply Apple's methods to their own work.

Quick quotes

    While Creative Selection has some interesting stories from behind the scenes at Apple, it falls short for me in a few ways as a product person.

    The book offers a glimpse into the creative process but lacks the depth needed for a comprehensive understanding.

    It's an enjoyable read but may not provide the practical insights some readers are looking for.

Medium · Bugra Gulculer · 2020-10-14
excellent 4.50

The book exceeded expectations with its excellent look at Apple's innovative processes, revealing hidden treasures within its pages.

Bugra Gulculer initially had low expectations but found the book to be a surprising gem. They praise it for its in-depth exploration of Apple's innovative processes, highlighting how the book reveals the often-overlooked details that contribute to Apple's success. The reviewer appreciates the practical lessons and insights that can be applied to understanding and fostering innovation in other contexts.

Quick quotes

    I was not expecting much, but this book has hidden treasures inside.

    It is an excellent look at how Apple makes innovation.

    The book reveals the often-overlooked details that contribute to Apple's success.

James Cridland's Blog · James Cridland · 2019-01-12
fascinating 4.00

The book provides fascinating insights into Apple's software decision-making process during Steve Jobs' tenure, offering a unique perspective on innovation.

James Cridland finds the book to be a treasure trove of insights into how Apple made critical software decisions during Steve Jobs' leadership. They highlight the unique perspective it offers on the innovation process, particularly the balance between creativity and practicality. The book is seen as a valuable resource for understanding the cultural and methodological aspects of Apple's success, making it a compelling read for tech enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Quick quotes

    This book contains some quite interesting glimpses into the software decision process at Apple during Jobs's tenure.

    It offers a unique perspective on how innovation was fostered and implemented.

    A valuable resource for understanding the cultural and methodological aspects of Apple's success.

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