Did Jony Ive influence the new Star Wars lightsaber design?
A rare and newly-published interview with Apple design guru Sir Jonathan Ive reveals the iPhone mastermind has taken up a sideline in lightsaber design.
The profile featured in the New Yorker sees Ive admit to sending “very specific suggestions” to Star Wars Episode VII director J.J. Abrams explaining how the new, iconic weapons should look.
The suggestions followed a dinner meeting between the pair last year and it now seems fair to assume Ive’s input may have contributed to the controversial crossguard-laden light saber spied during the trailer for The Force Awakens.
He said: “It was just a conversation …
How much notice Abrams took of Ive’s suggestions remains to be seen, but there’s certainly enough evidence on show to suggest the director has heeded the Knight of the Realm’s advice.
After all, when the most famous and illustrious industrial designer at the world’s most valuable company offers up blueprints, you’re going to take a look, aren’t you?
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The Star Wars tidbit is just a small nugget within a fascinating profile, while offers insight from Ive’s current and former colleagues at Apple. Former Apple intern Jeremy Kuempel said: “Jony has assumed the creative soul of the company.”
Other former collaborators and friends intimate Ive is a reluctant flagbearer for Apple, burdened by his huge responsibilities at the company.
“The iPhone just seemed to change the entire world,” Ive’s friend Clive Grinyer said. “I think he is burdened by it. He’s got no choice, the poor guy. He really has to see it out, and I know it wasn’t his plan. Which is not to say he’s not enjoying it.”
The profile is well worth the read, so head on over to the New Yorker for the full skinny.
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