[lanewinfield]

I might argue that you're right on most counts, but there's one project type that'd be a step above that: creating a side project that stands entirely on its own.

It has the effect, like you had said, of being not limited by clients and learning new skills. But on top of that, you'd show yourself as an independent thinker and started closer to zero than standing on the shoulders of other companies (in this case, Apple) and making spec work.

Again, not to say it's wrong, because I think you're very correct in thinking this is great for designers, but I do think this could be one step higher.

(And, for the sake of argument, I'm completely ignoring what neither of us stated: that probably more than half the battle as a professional in this industry is navigating politics, which the skills for obviously cannot be conveyed through a spec or side project.)