Ada Lovelace and Lillian Gilbreth played pivotal roles in shaping the foundations of Interaction Design, each making contributions that continue to influence how we engage with technology today.
Lovelace, often regarded as the first computer programmer, had a visionary understanding of how computers could go beyond simple calculations. When Charles Babbage proposed his mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine, Lovelace was the first to recognize that it had applications beyond pure calculation. Her ideas were groundbreaking, laying the conceptual groundwork for modern computing at a time. However, as a woman in the 19th century, she faced immense challenges in gaining recognition for her work.
Lillian Gilbreth made significant contributions to human-centered design, pioneering the fields of ergonomics and efficiency. The eldest of nine children, she grew up in a wealthy household where her father—a builder and merchant, feared that an educated woman would become a school teacher instead of marrying rich men. While this was not necessarily a barrier, she had to navigate it. In 1914, she wrote The Psychology of Management, a book exploring the human side of workplace efficiency and productivity. However, the publisher insisted that her gender not be mentioned in publicity, fearing that a female author would not be taken seriously.
Lillian Gilbreth also broke new ground in two key areas: advocating for women in the workplace and designing for individuals with disabilities. Her influence extended into the future, mainly through her work on the Futuristik exhibit for IBM at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair, which showcased forward-thinking ideas about technology and efficiency.
Lovelace and Gilbreth were ahead of their time, shaping how we think about technology, design, and human-centered solutions. Their visionary contributions remind us that innovation requires pushing boundaries and thinking forward. As a society, we have made remarkable progress relatively quickly. Still, their legacy challenges us to continue evolving, reimagining, and improving the world through thoughtful design and technological advancements.