On November 17, 1970, Douglas Engelbart was awarded the first patent for the computer mouse. Originally called the “X-Y position indicator,” Engelbart’s invention transformed how people interact with computers, paving the way for user-friendly computing and the graphical interfaces relied on today.

Fun Facts:

• Engelbart’s vision of the computer mouse was truly groundbreaking. He saw it as part of a larger system to make computing more interactive. His early prototypes, which used two perpendicular wheels housed in a wooden shell, were a testament to his innovative thinking.
• Engelbart’s public demonstration of the mouse in 1968, famously known as the ‘Mother of All Demos,’ was a game-changer. It showcased the mouse’s potential to navigate and control computer systems, leaving the audience in awe of its capabilities.
• The mouse became a critical component of the graphical user interface (GUI), which replaced the earlier text-based interfaces with visual representations of data and actions. This format, popularized by companies like Apple and Microsoft, made computing more intuitive and accessible to millions, with the mouse as the primary tool for navigation and control.
• Engelbart’s original design of the mouse was a far cry from the sleek devices we use today. It looked more like a small block with wheels. The transformation of its design, especially with the popularization of the trackball, is truly remarkable and a testament to the evolution of technology.
• Engelbart’s invention laid the groundwork for future tech developments. The computer mouse remains a core tool, evolving from its initial design to wireless and optical versions.