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Jef RaskinCreator of 'Macintosh'
Date of Birth: 09.03.1943
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Jeff Raskin: The Father of the Macintosh
- A Nonconformist with a Conscience
- The Birth of the Mouse
- Macintosh: A Tribute to Desire
- Leaving Apple and Founding a Legacy
- The Humane Interface
- The Raskin Center for Humane Interfaces
Jeff Raskin: The Father of the Macintosh
The Macintosh PioneerJeff Raskin, Apple's 31st employee, passed away at 61 from pancreatic cancer. His groundbreaking work revolutionized personal computing, leading to the creation of the Macintosh.
A Nonconformist with a Conscience
Despite being a brilliant computer scientist, Raskin defied the stereotype of the aloof tech guru. He saw himself as an ethical thinker and believed that software engineers had a moral responsibility to avoid harm. Inspired by Isaac Asimov's "First Law of Robotics," he formulated his own maxim: "No system should harm the user or fail to protect the user from harm."
The Birth of the Mouse
Raskin's dedication to user experience led him to create the one-button mouse, a departure from Xerox's three-button design. He believed that simplicity empowered users and made computing more accessible.
Macintosh: A Tribute to Desire
The name "Macintosh" reflects Raskin's romantic and pragmatic nature. His favorite apple variety inspired the spelling, with a slight alteration to avoid copyright issues. The Macintosh embodied Raskin's desire to make technology intuitive and enjoyable for everyone.
Leaving Apple and Founding a Legacy
After leaving Apple in 1982, Raskin established Information Appliance Inc. to focus on making computers accessible for everyday tasks. He also pursued his interest in cognitive psychology, laying the groundwork for modern user interface design principles.
The Humane Interface
Raskin's work culminated in his influential book, "The Humane Interface." This groundbreaking text introduced the concept of "cognitive ergonomics" and established a rigorous framework for designing user-friendly interfaces. It became a bestseller and inspired countless courses worldwide.
The Raskin Center for Humane Interfaces
Raskin's legacy continues through the Raskin Center for Humane Interfaces. The center is dedicated to transforming the relationship between humans and machines, with a focus on the Archy project. This ambitious endeavor aims to redefine computing principles and establish a new paradigm for human-computer interaction.
Despite his untimely passing, Jeff Raskin's influence on the world of computing endures. His unwavering commitment to user experience and his belief in technology as a tool for human empowerment have left a lasting impact on the industry.
