Douglas Engelbart was born in 1925 and is one of the key figures influencing Human Computer Interaction today. He is best know for his invention of the mouse, development of hypertext, networked computers and precursors to graphical user interfaces.
Engelbart applied for a patent in 1967 for a small wooden block with two metal wheels, the computer mouse, and he received it in 1970. He described it as an “X-Y position indicator for a display system”. He said he nicknamed it the mouse because a tail came out the end of it. He never received any royalties for his invention. He claimed they patented the mouse but never really understood its real value of it. They licensed it to apple for $40,000.
In 1988 Engelbart founded the Bootstrap Institute which was used to provide seminars on his ideas. He continues to work with the Institute with his daughter who is now Executive Director. He has of late been honoured for his many achievements and contributions to Human Computer Interaction. Engelbart will stand to be a great pioneer for how the world has advanced to have our vast knowledge of computer technology.
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