Douglas Engelbart

Revolutionized human-computer interaction by inventing the computer mouse and pioneering hypertext.

Douglas Engelbart (1925–2013) was an American engineer and inventor whose groundbreaking work laid the foundation for modern computing. Best known for inventing the computer mouse, Engelbart's vision of augmenting human intellect through technology reshaped how we interact with digital systems.

In 1968, Engelbart delivered the "Mother of All Demos", showcasing revolutionary concepts like graphical user interfaces, video conferencing, and collaborative real-time editing—ideas decades ahead of their time. His team at the Stanford Research Institute developed the oN-Line System (NLS), which introduced hypertext links and windowed environments.

Engelbart's work directly influenced the creation of the personal computer and the internet. Despite limited recognition during his lifetime, his "bootstrapping" philosophy—using tools to build better tools—inspired generations of technologists. His legacy endures in every click, scroll, and digital collaboration today.