“A lot of times, people don't know what they want until you show it to them.”

— Steve Jobs

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“A lot of times, people don't know what they want until you show it to them.”

(February 24 , 1955 -- October 5 , 2011)
Origin: American
Meaning
This statement asserts that true innovation involves anticipating future needs that consumers cannot yet articulate. It highlights the strategic insight that market research has its limits and that visionary leadership requires the courage to trust one's own taste and intuition. In a modern economy driven by "data-driven" decisions, this advice is a necessary reminder that data can only describe the past, not create the future. People share this today to justify taking bold risks on new products and to emphasize the importance of visionary design. Steve Jobs applied this principle to the development of the iPod, iPhone, and iPad, none of which were the result of focus groups but rather a deep understanding of human desire. It provides practical advice to focus on creating value that is so profound it becomes indispensable once experienced. This mindset lesson is a reminder that the best way to predict the future is to invent it.
Steve Jobs
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Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs was an American entrepreneur and inventor. Their most powerful quotes on life, success and human nature are collected here for daily inspiration and reflection.

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This quote is attributed to Steve Jobs. Steve Jobs was an American entrepreneur and inventor. Their most powerful quotes on life, success and human nature are collected here for daily inspiration and…

This statement asserts that true innovation involves anticipating future needs that consumers cannot yet articulate. It highlights the strategic insight that market research has its limits and that visionary leadership requires the courage to trust one's own taste and intuition. In a modern economy driven by "data-driven" decisions, this advice is a necessary reminder that data can only describe the…

The wording and attribution are documented at en.wikiquote.org. Use the original source linked on this page to verify the exact phrasing and context.

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