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Design & Develop, Together As One

If you’re not a Mac software hound (understandable) then you’re probably not familiar with the term the “Delicious Generation”. This catch-all phrase refers to the new guard of independent Mac software developers who create elaborate designs for the front-end of their software, a distinct switch from the more minimal designs of older apps. The phrase was coined by Rogue Amoeba CEO Paul Kafasis based on the graphically rich interface of the successful Delicious Monster cataloging application.

What makes an application or developer fit into this “Delicious” group? Here’s my criteria:

• Function and form are on an equal playing field, with perhaps a touch more emphasis on form.
• Performs one thing (or a very small number of things) very well, with significant interface richness dedicated to the action of performing this task.

Some software that could fit into this group includes Disco, CoverSutra, Cha-Ching, Xtorrent, Awaken, and others.

But the criteria for Delicious Generation software is dull compared to types of people who are creating such software, and these people truly have a hybrid skillset. Designers who are writing Cocoa, developers who are pixel precise interface masters, it all comes together as one when you’re creating great software. The backend functionality doesn’t matter if your application looks and functions horribly, and a visually rich design is worthless if tasks aren’t performed correctly in the code. You have to be knowledgeable on all sides of the software production spectrum or else you just can’t build next generation software.

The interface is the application. The functionality is exposed through solid design. The next masters of software won’t have skillsets that aren’t segregated into “Photoshop” or “writing code”. If you want to be an interface designer at Apple you have to know how to prototype advanced interaction with code because it’s always more valuable to wear more hats than be segregated into your own office in the corner.