In the 1960s, most computers were not equipped with user-friendly interfaces, and his vision introduced key interactive elements that laid the foundation for the future of interactive computing. Engelbart’s 1968 NLS demo included a graphical user interface (GUI) that incorporated windows, a mouse, hypertext linking, real-time collaborative editing, and video conferencing. It showcased the potential GUI could have on users and their ability to use and interact with computers.
After Engelbart’s project lost government funding in 1975, several members of his team went on to work on Xerox PARC, where they developed the Alto computer, a precursor to the Xerox Star. The Star, in turn, influenced the design of the Apple Macintosh, which popularized the GUI for the average user.