Quailty software design

Let’s start with a basic question: what do we mean by quality in software design? Quality isn’t some vague, abstract thing. It’s the result of paying attention to details—every single one. It’s about making sure every choice in building a product is deliberate, thought through, and purposeful. You might think some parts don’t matter, that they’re too small to notice. But in a truly high-quality product, everything counts. Quality means obsessing over the tiny stuff and chasing perfection in places most people wouldn’t even look.

The standard of quality

Think about Apple under Steve Jobs. They didn’t just make good products; they set the bar for what quality looks like. What made them stand out wasn’t luck or a single hit product. It was a deep, stubborn commitment to getting things right. Their strength—the reason they seemed untouchable—wasn’t just their existing lineup of devices. It was their culture. A culture that put quality above everything else. That’s why they could jump into something new, like headphones or smart speakers or voice assistants, and still come out ahead. They didn’t just compete; they redefined what competing meant.

Rediscovering quality in startups

Now, you see this same idea popping up in newer software startups. Take a company like Linear. They’ve figured out something old but powerful: an obsession with details can set you apart. Great product teams aren’t satisfied with “good enough.” They’re driven to build something exceptional, something that feels different the moment you use it. They don’t accept mediocrity. They focus on quality-relentlessly-and that focus becomes their edge.

Why quality is enough

Here’s the thing: this focus on quality isn’t just one piece of the puzzle. It’s pretty much the whole game. If you refuse to settle for average, if you sweat the small stuff, you’ve already got what you need to make something great. Quality isn’t a bonus or an add-on. It’s the foundation. Build on that, and the rest—features, marketing, whatever—has a chance to shine. Ignore it, and nothing else matters.