Old school beats still make your head rock

I just had an overwhelming moment with a couple of chapters from Readings in Human Computer Interaction: Toward the Year 2000 that detailed the growth of field from the 1950's to the late 1990's. Watching all of the interfaces that I take for granted unfold through the lens of history not only puts my craft into perspective, it also encourages me to challenge current conventions and follow in the footsteps of the few who stood up and said, “We can make this world easier to understand”. So many people dedicated their lives towards a humanist ideal of the future where computers were more than tools, but less than individuals, almost like extensions or enhancements to the natural world to make the foundations visible. Computation would be a layer that you could add to any process to make it easier to share and realize your dreams. Sort of like a condiment for cognition.

I never thanked the Vannevar Bushes and Ted Nelsons and Doug Englebarts of the world for all of their work towards the concept of a more productive humanity. They and everyone of their ilk have changed our lives in such fundamental ways that I think it is safe to say they forever altered the course of history for every person on the planet, and that is some sincere shit for the ages.