Ada Lovelace and Lilian Gilbreth are pioneers of computer science and industrial engineering—the infrastructure of interaction design. As a woman, I feel empowered by the groundbreaking contributions of these women.
Mathematician Ada Lovelace was the first to introduce the concept of computer programming and wrote the early algorithm for a machine in the 1800s. Technology is considered a cornerstone in the realm of interaction design. Therefore, it is essential to acquaint ourselves with contributors to the evolution of modern computer science. The work of Lovelace enables user experience designers to understand how computers can follow a set of basic instructions, understand a program, or even complete complex calculations and digitize tasks that were once manual efforts of humans.
The American industrial engineer and psychologist Lilian Gilbreth devised ‘The Management Theory’ which analyzes time-and-motion studies targeted to increase productivity, save money, and reduce fatigue. In her study, Gilbreth meticulously analyzed motion and conducted a series of calculations which helped her deduce a way that most efficiently completes a task—the “One Best Way.” Educating the working population about Gilbreth’s theories of psychology and ergonomics would enhance work experiences as it enables humans to achieve higher productivity while using relatively less energy and time. In my opinion, several user experience designers in today’s fast-paced world strive to achieve the same goal as Gilbreth—to ‘simplify the complex’ and design a seamless flow of experiences that enable humans to achieve the highest quality results in minimal time.
In conclusion, I firmly believe that educating ourselves about the historical significance and accomplishments of Lovelace and Gilbreth inspires Interaction designers to leverage advanced technology in the pursuit of efficient and user-friendly design.
References:
“Ada Lovelace.” Lemelson, lemelson.mit.edu/resources/ada-lovelace#:~:text=Ada%20Lovelace%2C%20an%20English%20mathematician,
larger%20potential%20than%20mathematical%20calculation.
“Lillian Moller Gilbreth.” National Women’s History Museum, www.womenshistory.org/lillian-moller-gilbreth.
