"طراحی فقط چیزی نیست که به نظر می‌رسد و احساس می‌شود. طراحی این است که چگونه کار می‌کند."

The essence of the quote is that true design goes beyond aesthetics; it's about functionality. When we think of design, we often imagine sleek lines, vibrant colors, and overall visual appeal. But design isn't merely skin-deep. The true magic happens when something is not only beautiful but also easy and intuitive to use. This belief, often associated with Steve Jobs and Apple's philosophy, highlights that the user experience is king.

Historically, this mindset came to prominence during the tech boom in the late '90s and early 2000s. Companies started to recognize that the products people loved weren't necessarily the ones with the most features or the flashiest designs. Instead, they were the ones that worked seamlessly in people's daily lives. Remember the first iPod? It wasn't just about having an MP3 player. It was about having an MP3 player that you could use without reading a manual — that was where design and function met perfectly.

Let's dive into a concrete example. Think about your favorite coffee shop. Sure, it might have that cozy, Instagram-worthy interior with wooden tables, Edison bulbs, and lush plants. But if the ordering process is a nightmare, you won't be back. Now, imagine a coffee shop with a simple, efficient design. You walk in, the menu is clear and concise, the barista greets you warmly, the seating is comfortable, and within minutes, you have your perfectly brewed cup of coffee. The design here isn't just in the ambiance; it's in the entire experience — from the moment you walk in to the moment you leave. This is design at work.

So, how do you apply this wisdom? Whether you're designing a product, a service, or even your living room, start with the user in mind. Ask yourself: How will they interact with this? Is it intuitive? Does it solve a problem or fulfill a need without unnecessary complexity? Sometimes, it's about stripping away the non-essential to get to the core of what really matters.

Imagine you're redecorating your living room. You might be tempted to buy that stunning glass coffee table you saw online. But think about your daily life. Do you have kids who might turn it into a fingerprint-covered wrestling ring? Maybe a durable, stylish wooden table would be more practical. Or imagine you're designing a website. It might look cool with all the latest design trends, but if your users can't find the "Contact Us" button, they'll get frustrated and leave. Functionality should drive your design choices.

Take the story of Kate, an entrepreneur I know. She was launching a new app meant to help people manage their daily tasks. Initially, her design was all about bold colors and flashy animations. It looked beautiful but was a pain to navigate. Users were confused, and engagement was low. Realizing the flaw, she took a step back, stripped the design down to its essentials, and focused on making it as user-friendly as possible. The result? Users loved it. It wasn’t just another pretty app; it was an app that worked seamlessly with their lives.

So next time you're caught up in the look of something, take a moment to think about how it works. Because at the end of the day, that's what will keep people coming back. Design from the inside out, and you'll create something truly remarkable.