RIP Douglas Englebart - Inventor of the Computer Mouse

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SUMMARY

Douglas Englebart invented the computer mouse in the late 1960s, originally referring to it as an "x-y position indicator." The term "mouse" was coined by a member of his team. This invention has evolved over the years, being overshadowed by trackballs and more recently, touch screens. Englebart's contributions to human-computer interaction remain foundational in the field of computing.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of human-computer interaction principles
  • Familiarity with the history of computing technology
  • Knowledge of input devices and their evolution
  • Awareness of the impact of innovation on software development
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the evolution of input devices, focusing on the transition from the mouse to touch screens
  • Explore the contributions of Douglas Englebart to human-computer interaction
  • Investigate the impact of the mouse on software design and user experience
  • Learn about the history and development of UNIX operating systems and their input methods
USEFUL FOR

Technology historians, software developers, UX/UI designers, and anyone interested in the evolution of computing interfaces.

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In the late 1960s he invented what he called at first an "x-y position indicator" for computers. Then someone on his team dubbed it the "mouse."

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http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/03/tech/mouse-inventor-dies/index.html?hpt=hp_t2
 
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Quite a remarkable invention, inverted by trackballs and only recently superceded by touch screens in popularity.

Many years ago an ATT software engineer, Andrew Koenig told a joke at IBM on the taxonomy of mice. He said there were male mice and female mice and with the advent of the new ATT OS there were mice who's ball was surgically removed known as UNIX mice.

As I look back now, I realize he forgot to mention Doug Englebart's granddaddy two-wheeler mouse.
 

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