In 1968, Douglas Engelbart and his team at the Stanford Research Institute (SRI) delivered the “Mother of All Demos,” which has since become legendary. This 90-minute demonstration showcased technology that fundamentally altered computing. Engelbart’s demonstration was more than merely significant; it signaled the beginning of interactive computing as we know it today.

What Made the Demo Revolutionary?

Engelbart’s vision stood in stark contrast to the days when computers were largely utilized for number crunching and batch processing. His demonstration included pioneering innovations such as the computer mouse, hypertext, Windows-based interfaces, and collaborative editing. These concepts would form the backbone of personal computing, influencing how we interact with computers on a daily basis.

    The Legacy of the Demo

    Many of Engelbart’s innovations were not extensively adopted until decades later, but his ideas had a significant impact on the development of personal computing. Engelbart’s demo inspired the development of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) by Apple and Microsoft, as well as the hyperlink structure of the internet and real-time digital collaboration.
    Engelbart and his colleagues not only predicted but also molded the future of computing by daring to conceive computers as tools to boost human intellect and collaboration.
    The “Mother of All Demos” is a testimony to mid-century invention, and its legacy can still be felt in every device and application we use today.