First Prototype-The Mother of All Demos

Tell the truth, it took me a while to figure out how the first demo of the computer that Doug Engelbart presented. Using the control panel which combined with the keyboard and mouse, Engelbart showed us the series of actions for sorting and organizing the shopping list (See the screenshot above). Although it took me to get used to seeing this paper-like screen with a moving manuscript, I was fully attracted by this first prototype. From this moment, the text won’t be non-deletable or non-movable.

The prototype reminds me of some key design features and micro-interactions, such as numbering the content, organizing the tasks through the timeline schedule, and grouping the subtasks underneath the big folder. All those major features were carefully designed and the user flow overall was so smooth.

Another important fact is the audio feedback after each action was made. It sounded a little bit wired and noisy, but you may miss the action without the feedback.

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4 thoughts on “First Prototype-The Mother of All Demos

  1. I agree that the audio feedback was loud but gave you imminent recognition of the prior action and still there are audio feedback in keyboards for mobile device. Nice work!

  2. You have a good observation of sound feedback and micro-interaction. It’s nice that you used precise sentences to present micro-interaction ideas. Of course, it would be better if you could find an image reference to this point. Excellent job, and keep up the good work!

  3. very interesting points about micro-interaction. but i think the idea of grouping and subtasks have greater influence on today’s idea of information hierarchy and information architecture

  4. I like how you mentioned the audio feedback after each action was made. Interestingly, most of the click audio feedback now comes from the physical contact between the fingers and the keyboard / mouse, which replaces the wired and noisy sound that comes with every normal click in the first demo.

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