In Walter Isaacson's biography of Steve Jobs, the author reflects on Jobs' perspective regarding the technology in their environment. Jobs had a distinct preference for simplicity and a clean aesthetic, which he believed was often disrupted by the presence of computer fans. This preference stemmed from his desire for a serene workspace that would allow for greater focus and creativity.
Jobs viewed the noise generated by fans as distracting rather than soothing, contrasting them to the tranquility associated with Zen philosophy. He believed that such distractions compromised the user experience, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful design in technology to create a more harmonious interaction with devices.