In December 1945 — January 1946, Picasso created “Le Taureau” or “The Bull”, a series of 11 stone prints that painstakingly explored the purest essence of a bull.

With each successive print, a bull is simplified and abstracted. It is considered as an iconic representation of absolute simplicity.

In 2008, Steve Jobs set out to teach employees at Apple this philosophy.

“You have to deeply understand the essence of a product in order to be able to get rid of the parts that are not essential.” — Steve Jobs

This is a reminder that getting to the essence of what you do or what you create isn’t easy, but it is what will separate you from everyone else.

This is an example of a mindshift. It’s the moment when you open your mind to explore new possibilities and discover extraordinary experiences and outcomes.

Jobs’ connection to Picasso’s “Le Taureau” inspired a new design mindset: “eliminate the unnecessary to get to the essence.” This mindset became the cornerstone of Apple’s design and product development process.

This philosophy of stripping away the non-essential to reveal the core essence of a product can be seen across many iconic Apple products.

Here are just a few examples:

iMac G3 (1998)

The iMac G3 embodied simplicity with its single, bold, translucent shell. It removed legacy components like floppy drives, focusing on features essential for a modern computing experience.

iPod (2001)

The iPod’s design, with its simple click-wheel interface and minimalist aesthetic, stripped away the complexity of MP3 players. It became a symbol of Jobs’ philosophy to “deeply understand the essence of a product.”

iPhone (2007)

The original iPhone eliminated physical keyboards and buttons common in smartphones of the era. Its focus on a single, intuitive touchscreen interface represents the essence of Jobs’ idea of simplicity and anticipation of what users would want before they knew it.

iPad (2010)

The iPad exemplified simplicity by offering a streamlined interface for browsing, reading, and media consumption. Its minimalist design was free from superfluous features.

Apple Watch (2015)

The Apple Watch reduced the complexity of wearable technology, focusing on a sleek design and essential functionality while integrating it seamlessly into daily life.

macOS and iOS User Interfaces

Apple’s software interfaces reflect a commitment to clarity and usability, removing unnecessary complexity to create seamless experiences.

The Work of Art

Jobs once said, “Our job is to figure out what they’re going to want before they do.”

Mastering the art of simplicity is to master the essence of innovation, to see something others miss, and to deliver it in a way that transforms perspectives and standards. Simplicity isn’t easy—but this mindshift is what separates the ordinary from the extraordinary.

If I can leave you with one final bit of advice, edit. Edit until you arrive at the essence, the art of your work, to make it meaningful and special for someone else. This is the advice Jobs shared with then Nike president and CEO Mark Parker.

Please consider reading, Mindshift: Transform Leadership, Drive Innovation, and Reshape the Future

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