The wallpaper on that article is so useless and distracting I actually closed the window before I read 1 word.
Minimalism may not be the alpha and omega, but it's definitely something.
Edit: In all seriousness, minimalism is about defining the problem clearly, finding the least number of things needed to solve the problem, and discarding things that don't. Just like in computer science, it's about finding the most generic answer possible. Steve Jobs isn't afraid of making the "wrong" choice, he's afraid of making a choice that's too specific.
Properly generic design has GREAT mass appeal, whereas while super graphic focused design may have much more appeal to a subgroup. Sometimes super graphic focused design IS in fact minimalism: when you need to target a subgroup of culture specifically and with a high impact, an Apple-generic product simply will not work. In that case using embelishments solves a very clear problem: appeal. Apple simply appeals to the biggest audience they can.
Minimalism may not be the alpha and omega, but it's definitely something.
Edit: In all seriousness, minimalism is about defining the problem clearly, finding the least number of things needed to solve the problem, and discarding things that don't. Just like in computer science, it's about finding the most generic answer possible. Steve Jobs isn't afraid of making the "wrong" choice, he's afraid of making a choice that's too specific.
Properly generic design has GREAT mass appeal, whereas while super graphic focused design may have much more appeal to a subgroup. Sometimes super graphic focused design IS in fact minimalism: when you need to target a subgroup of culture specifically and with a high impact, an Apple-generic product simply will not work. In that case using embelishments solves a very clear problem: appeal. Apple simply appeals to the biggest audience they can.