Computer Innovation

Doug Engelbart invented human-computer interface (HCI) technology, laying the foundation for early computer technology and the Internet. He focused on the concepts of word processor function, window, computer-based conference, groupware, etc. He showed people using computers for the first time in sharing knowledge and information, which has become the starting point and fundamental element of computers.

Back then, It was all about using a computer to tap the keyboard while looking at the letters scattered on the black and white screen. It was when neither highly skilled experts nor powerful men had the opportunity to see monotonous black and white. However, he introduced a prototype of The Mother of All Demos to the public, making it easier to use computer tools. Because of his starting point, we benefit significantly from working with various windows on the computer screen, videoconferencing through the computer, and sharing documents through the computer; we all need it as a designer. Clicking on a blue underlined letter on a web page usually brings up a new page related to the text (this blue letter is called a ‘link’ or ‘hypertext’). The new page can be on the PC I’m using, the computer at school or the company. But it doesn’t matter where the page exists. “For computer users, the two pages are no different than physically linked to a single book.” This was Engelbart’s insight, and we are experiencing it as a reality. What he understands goes beyond the concept of hypertext we encounter today.