Human-Computer Interface History

Human-Computer Interface History

1. Punch Cards

   • Early 19th Century: Lovelace and Babbage's "analytical engine"
   • 20th Century: Decryption of secret messages, calculation of missile trajectories

2. Predictions on the use of computers

   • Vannevar Bush's article, "As We May Think"
     • Laid the groundwork for and predicted the rise of the personal computer, the internet, networked databases, etc.
     • Inspired J.C.R. Licklider's writing
   • J.C.R. Licklider's paper, "Man-Computer Symbiosis"
     • Put forth the idea that the question is "what is the question?", and not "what is the answer?"

3. Software Tools

   • Ivan Sutherland's "Sketchpad"
     • The first example of an interactive, dynamic interface using a stylus that allowed users to draw using simple vector graphics
   • Douglas Engelbart's NLS
     • Networking, windows, hypertext, graphics, command input, the mouse, video conferences, word processing, and more

4. Personal Device Development

   • Alan Kay and Xerox PARC's "Alto"
     • The first Operating System, with a drawing program, a game, WYSIWYG word processing, and more
   • Apple Macintosh
     • Lead to the development of tools like PowerPoint, helped push personal computing into the mainstream

5. Research and Development of Novel Ideas

   • ACM Symposium
     • Does research on both novel forms of input and output, like AR, touchscreens, text entry, and animation
   • Government and Industry
     • Capacitive Touchscreen Research