Lovelace & Gilbreth

Ada Lovelace and Lillian Gilbreth: Pioneers in Interaction Design History

As an interaction design student, I’ve realized how much our field owes to the work of early innovators like Ada Lovelace and Lillian Gilbreth. Even though they lived in completely different times and worked in different fields, both women laid the foundation for how we think about systems, efficiency, and human-computer interaction today.

Ada Lovelace is often called the first computer programmer. In the 1840s, she worked with Charles Babbage on his Analytical Engine, a mechanical computer. What makes her so important is that she didn’t just see the machine as something that could calculate numbers—she imagined it could create art, like music, by following instructions. This early vision of computation as more than math feels like the root of modern interaction design. Her work reminds us to think beyond the technical and consider the creative possibilities of technology.

Lillian Gilbreth, on the other hand, was a pioneer in industrial engineering and ergonomics. In the early 20th century, she studied how people interact with tools and systems, using motion studies to improve efficiency and reduce fatigue. Her focus on designing workflows to fit human needs connects directly to what we do as interaction designers. When we create user-centered interfaces or improve accessibility, we’re following her example of putting people first.

These women remind us that interaction design is not just about technology—it’s about understanding people and imagining new ways to improve their lives. Knowing their stories gives me a deeper appreciation for the history of our field and the responsibility we have to carry their legacy forward.

Ada Lovelace and Lillian Gilbreth

Ada Lovelace and Lillian Gilbreth are important in interaction design history because they both made early contributions that influence how we think about technology and human interaction.

As Ada Lovelace is ‘the first computer programmer’, and she wrote the first algorithm intended to be carried out by a machine, she foresaw the potential of computers beyond calculations. On the other side, Lillian Gilbreth is a pioneer in industrial and organizational psychology. She work on time-and-motion studie, focused on improving efficiency in workplaces. They both ahead of their time in thinking about how people interact with machines and systems.

Why are Ada Lovelace and Lillian Gilbreth important to know about for IXD History?

As a college student studying interaction design, it feels important to study Ada Lovelace and Lillian Gilbreth because they show how early ideas shaped the way we approach technology and design today.Ada Lovelace, known as the first computer programmer, didn’t just write code, she thought about how to make machines more than just number crunchers. Her work on Charles Babbage’s analyzing machine showed that machines could process data and symbols creatively, almost mimicking the way humans think. In a world where we are constantly interacting with technology, her vision reminds us that our designs today have the potential to shape the future.

Also，on the other side， Lillian Gilbreth introduces a human-centered approach to her work in ergonomics and psychology. She focuses on making everyday tasks easier and more efficient by understanding how people interact with their environment (whether in a factory or at home). For someone like me, learning to design easy-to-use interfaces and improve people’s lives feels directly relevant to her work.Gilbreth’s emphasis on human needs reminds us that good design is not just about aesthetics or functionality-it’s about understanding people and designing systems for them. These women’s contributions help us see how long-held ideas about people and technology influence the decisions we make in IXD today.

NO IXD without ADA (ix) and Lillian (d)

Ada Lovelace is one of the most important people in IXD because she helped formulate to bring the “IX” in ixd to life. 

As someone who believed that compute was more than just numbers, she helped progress the complex systems thinking to adopt symbols, music, art and other areas of science. 

Her keen interest pushed the boundaries in data processing, cryptography but most importantly, AGI (not in those exact words) 

Without these algebraic computations, it would be impossible for us to run our designs on Figma and bring them to web versions in real time, In real life. 

Lillian Gilberth deserves huge praise in terms of bringing the D to “IXD”, simply because she helped pioneer and innovate in ergonomic and functional design which has helped us propel the way we think of life. 

Her keen attention into (human centred design) allows people today to design keeping in mind various stakeholders as well as motivate them to use it with ease due to the psychology behind it.

Without these two, we might not have IX D.

The Impact of Ada Lovelace and Lillian Gilbreth

To begin with, I totally support that Ada Lovelace and Lillian Gilbreth are significant figures in Interaction Design History, not only for their pioneering contributions that influence modern design principles, but also for their way opened for women to be engaged into this industry.


Ada Lovelace is considered the world’s first computer programmer. Her work on Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine, where she envisioned the machine’s potential beyond mere calculations, laid the groundwork for computational thinking, an essential aspect of digital interface design. Even though she was born in a well-educated family with resources with poetry and science, her mother lead her to the way of science, which could probably make her different from the other ladies in her age or with similar background)


Moreover, Lillian Gilbreth is a pioneer in human factors and ergonomics, Gilbreth introduced ideas about user-centred design. She studied how people interact with machines and environments, which is foundational to IXD. Her focus on improving efficiency and comfort influenced how we design tools and interfaces that consider the user’s needs and behavior.

Woman Deserve Recognition and Respect

First, I do fully agree and support Erin Pinot’s point that in the history of ixd, contributions from women have often been overlooked. In this case, highlighting figures like Ada Lovelace and Lillian Gilbreth corrects this historical oversight and tell the world how brilliant woman are. Also that highlight of Ada Lovelace and Lillian Gilbreth enriches our understanding of the field’s evolution. Both women made foundational contributions that resonate with principles central to Ixd.

Ada Lovelace and Lillian Gilbreth have made invaluable contributions to the evolution of IXD, and their individual academic achievements are also outstanding. Ada Lovelace is the first computer programmer. Her work on analytical Engine, included creating the first algorithm intended for implementation on a machine. This work laid foundational principles for computer science and programming. Lillian Gilbreth spend her life for building the field of industrial engineering around the world. She is also the first female member of the society of industrial engineers; the first woman ever appointed to the national academy of engineering; the first woman who receive the hoover medal for distinguished public service; She was the first female psychologist with U.S postage stamp named for her; etc. All Lillian Gilbreth did is incredible, remarkable and continue to inspire.

Ada Lovelace and Lillian Gilbreth are the role model for woman. They show me that there are no limit on what woman can do. Their accomplishments encourage women to be brave and pursue their goals. Woman can accomplished anything. No one can define our potential.

Lovelace & Gilbreth Importance IXD

Ada Lovelace & Lilian Gilbreth are two of many redefining female pioneers who have been discredited for their insurmountable advancements in STEAM. Our duty as designers and practitioners within STEAM, is to make visible the accomplishments that have been watered down by the industry and to restore equity within these fields.

The exclusion of women in top occupations and positions of power is unassailable. This reoccurring issue is not only prominent within IXD, but through Law, Finance, Construction, and STEM in its entirety. This heightens the importance of learning about both history and herstory. 

Lovelace was a mathematician who laid the groundwork of modern algorithms. She is considered, “The first computer programmer” and expanded the bounds of what a computer is envisioned to do. This includes envisioning a computer system that not only works with numbers, but with symbols that produce images and sound. Despite her accomplishments, she was still labeled as the wife of Charles Babbage or the daughter of Lord Byron. Her achievements should stand on its own, and it is painful seeing women being overshadowed by the successes of their male peers purely based on bias.

Gilbreth was an engineer and management consultant that significantly improved industrial management efficiency. Her refrigerator foot pedal invention with GE appliances was one of the early works of accessibility in product design. Alongside this, she was Purdue University’s first female engineering professor, advocating for women in engineering. She made an everlasting impact on modern managerial and HCI practices. Similar to Lovelace, her efforts were undermined by the recognition of her husband. It was only when he was no longer a part of the equation, then her work began to be noticed. It is sad to consider that if her husband was less short lived, Gilbreth accomplishments may not have been recognized at all. 

The groundwork Lovelace and Gilbreth paved is the reason why women in STEAM exist. It is importantly to reflect on the trailblazing women who brought us together in this very class. By influencing an entire demographic to exceed past their confinements and expectations, they have redefined what it means to be a woman. We carry on that legacy.

Why are Ada Lovelace and Lillian Gilbreth important to know about for IXD History?

Ada Lovelace and Lillian Gilbreth are important in Interaction Design history because they made early contributions to how we interact with technology and systems. Also, their outstanding contribution demonstrates the importance of women in the development of this industry.

Lillian Gilbreth, is known for her great work in engineering and also raised I think that is the most important concepts that interaction design follows today were introduced more than a hundred years ago, people factors are the keys.

Ada Lovelace, in the 1800s, wrote the first algorithm for a machine, making her the first “computer programmer”, and she envisioned computers doing more than just calculations. It is amazing that Ada Lovelace could think of things that now it looks like something very futuristic for the time. Interaction design is closely connected with computers and digital devices nowadays, Ada’s groundwork should be credited and honored.

Why are Ada Lovelace and Lillian Gilbreth important to know about for IXD History?

9/17, 2024, shuoning liang

Ada Lovelace’s forward thinking gets us thinking about the potential for technology to interact with humans. Her theory is not only an exploration of technological capabilities but also a vision of their application to human multidimensional life. This perspective spanning technology and human experience was one of the early intellectual foundations of IXD.
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Lillian Gilbreth applies this interdisciplinary thinking to practice. By studying the intersection of ergonomics, psychology and engineering, he proposes that design must revolve around human needs. This understanding and optimization of “user experience” is an integral part of IXD.

Lovelace & Gilbreth

Women in the tech have historically been underrepresented. Two of the most notable are Ada Lovelace and Lillian Gilbreth.

Ada Lovelace is an important figure in the history of computer science and interaction design because of her groundbreaking work with Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine in the mid-19th century. While the machine was never built, Ada’s notes on its design is what is considered one of the first algorithms, making her a pioneer in programming (aka the first computer programmer!). Moreover, her insights on how machines could interact with humans and their creativity (i.e. music) highlighted human-machine capabilities and laid the groundwork for modern-day interaction design.

Lillian Gilbreth is known as the first lady of engineering and is another significant figure in interaction design history. She studied how people interact in their environment and innovated redesigned work practices. Moreover, she redefined women’s work and designing for disabilities. Her work emphasized user-centered design, demonstrating how thoughtful design can improve functionality and experience.

Why are Ada Lovelace and Lillian Gilbreth important to know about for IXD History?

Ada Lovelace Ada Lovelace was the world’s first computer programmer, writing the first ever algorithm for Charles Babbage Analytical Engine. She didn’t coolly regard a computer to be just an instrument for making out numbers, she imagined also that such machine could have another application in the spheres of music and art! She was thus a precursor of, and to some degree an inspiration for later ideas in human-computer interaction and interaction design more broadly, establishing her as a per se important figure in the history of interaction design.

Lillian Gilbreth applied psychological principles to the workplace and was a pioneer in industrial engineering as well as psychology. Her work environment focused on human factors, and she encouraged businesses to recognize the physical and psychological needs of their workers in order to maximize productivity. She also did time and motion studies with her husband Frank Gilbreth to improve work processes. Her work laid the foundation for ergonomics and user-centered design, which are central ideas to interaction design. As such, she had an incalculable influence on the way interaction design is done today.

Why are Ada Lovelace and Lillian Gilbreth important to know about for IXD History?

As an important pioneer in engineering, engineering, and management theory, Lillian Gilbreth is a very important example of early interaction by combining human factors, psychology, and scientific management.


Compared to Lillian Gilbreth, Ada Lovelace is more like an important figure who laid the foundation for modern electronic systems and interaction design. Her most important asset is something that appears to be the world’s first computer program. It is a machine-executed algorithm and perhaps the earliest computer algorithm to appear worldwide. She was also the first person to realize that electronic devices have applications beyond pure symbol addition and subtraction calculations. In contrast, others at the same time, including Babbage, may not have realized this.


For interaction design, these people were involved in and designed the earliest interactions, namely human factors and human-computer interaction. Ada enabled people to participate in the “interaction” between humans and computing units in a physical sense for the first time

Lovelace and Gilbreth’s importance in IXD history

Lillian Gilbreth and Ada Lovelace are both important to study to about in IXD history because of their significant contributions to the field.

Lillian played a key role in making technology and work environments more user-friendly. By combining scientific management and psychology, she helped develop ideas that are central to human-computer interaction (HCI) today, particularly user-centered design. Her work on ergonomics led to creating tools and spaces that enhance accessibility and improve the overall experience for workers. She focused on understanding the needs of all employees, including women and people with disabilities. This approach still matters today, as it emphasizes creating designs that are effective but also kind and inclusive.

Ada Lovelace laid the groundwork for how we see technology augmenting human capabilities. Her work with the Analytical Engine showed that machines could do more than just calculations; they could engage in creative activities, which is an important idea in interaction design. Lovelace’s thoughts on programming, such as conditional branching and code reuse, align well with modern design principles that prioritize user involvement and flexibility.

Why are Ada Lovelace and Lillian Gilbreth important to know about for IXD History?

Ada Lovelace the world’s first computer programmer, a pioneer in computer work, a visionary in the use of machines to achieve supercomputing power, and a great mathematician.

Lillian Moller Gilbreth, who was the first expert to combine industry and psychology, as I understand it, is a bit like what we now refer to in the notion of UX as what people will think because it’s for people who use it.

One is to promote the birth of hardware conditions, and the other is to promote the birth of human-centered psychological speculation for the sake of people together can also be said to be the early days of interaction.

The importance of Ada Lovelace and Lillian Gilbreth

Ada Lovelace is important to know about because she wrote the first algorithm and computer code. Creating a program that computed Bernoulli numbers was also Ada’s idea. She was inspired by punch card weavers that were used to mechanize the weaving process. Ada also wrote about the details of programming the Analytical Engine. She was extremely in depth, writing about what was possible to compute and what was impractical. Ada was extremely ahead of her time, having ideas about the potential of computers long before computers existed.

Lillian Gilbreth and her husband, Frank Gilbreth, used film to help workers interact with machines. After Frank died, Lilian continued her work and helped make kitchens more user friendly and accessible for women. Her work revolved around helping people and human psychology. Lilian was the first woman in the Society of Industrial Engineers, in the National Academy of Engineering, and the first woman to win the Hoover Medal. She is important to know about because of her improvements to the world, as well as her accomplishments as a woman in a field dominated by men.

Pioneers of User-Centered Design

Ada Lovelace and Lillian Gilbreth created a foundation for the development of modern design and technology. They also had a profound impact on user experience and human-computer interaction.

Ada Lovelace as the first programmer, not only translated Charles Babbage’s 19th-century machine’s operation but also added her annotations. She included an important algorithm, which is considered the first computer program. This algorithm demonstrated that the machine could process not only numbers but also symbols and logic, i.e., any form of data. This algorithm showed the possibility of the future of computers and played an important role in the subsequent development of computer science.

Lillian Gilbreth is an industrial psychologist. She emphasized the importance of human factors in design. Thus, she gave a principle to user interface design, focusing on user needs, comfort, and efficiency.

Significance to IXD:

  1. Both women exemplify the concept of user-centered design. Both Lovelace’s vision of the potential uses of computers and Gilbreth’s ergonomics study emphasize understanding the end user’s needs and behaviors. This fits well with one of IXD’s core characteristics, User-Centered Design (UCD).
  2. Their work spans various disciplines, from mathematics and engineering to psychology and sociology. This interdisciplinary approach is one of the core features of IXD, the Multidisciplinary Approach, and this fusion of multiple disciplines makes for a more holistic and in-depth approach to design.

Understanding Ada Lovelace and Lillian Gilbreth not only helps us understand the origin and development of IXD, but also emphasizes the importance of considering human factors in the design process, which is crucial to creating more humane and efficient interactive experiences.