Jef Raskin
Jef Raskin
================
Full Name and Common Aliases
Jef Raskin was born Joel Nathan Raskin on January 18, 1948. He is often referred to by his given name, but "Jef" became a widely recognized moniker among those familiar with his work.
Birth and Death Dates
Raskin was born in Brooklyn, New York, USA, and passed away on February 27, 2020, at the age of 72.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Raskin held dual citizenship of the United States and Israel. His professional pursuits spanned various fields: computer science, software development, graphic design, and writing.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in New York City, Raskin developed an early interest in computers and electronics. He attended Stuyvesant High School before enrolling at Harvard University to study music theory. However, it was not long before he shifted his focus toward computer science. After completing his undergraduate studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Raskin went on to pursue a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Carnegie Mellon University.
Major Accomplishments
Leading Apple's Macintosh Project
One of Raskin's most significant contributions was his leadership role in developing the original Macintosh computer. As one of the key figures behind this groundbreaking project, he played a pivotal part in shaping the user-friendly interface that became synonymous with Apple's brand.
Developing the Computer Laboratory at Apple
Raskin founded and directed the Computer Lab at Apple, where innovative products and ideas began to take shape under his guidance. His vision for accessible technology was instrumental in transforming the way people interacted with computers.
Notable Works or Actions
Throughout his career, Raskin was an advocate for user-centric design and the democratization of technology. Some notable contributions include:
The Apple Lisa: Although often overshadowed by its successor, the Macintosh, the Lisa represented a significant step toward making personal computers more approachable.
Information Appliances: A concept that envisioned devices tailored to specific tasks or functions, offering users an easy-to-use interface and intuitive experience.
* Books on Technology and Design
Impact and Legacy
Jef Raskin's impact extends far beyond the technical achievements mentioned earlier. His commitment to making technology accessible and user-friendly paved the way for future innovations in the field.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Raskin's quotes, writings, and interviews offer valuable insights into his design philosophy and vision for a more inclusive technology landscape. Readers can gain a deeper understanding of his perspectives on user experience, innovation, and the role of technology in society by exploring his published works.
His dedication to creating technologies that are intuitive and enjoyable has inspired generations of designers, developers, and entrepreneurs. Today, Raskin's legacy continues to influence the tech industry, with his ideas about user-centered design and accessible interfaces remaining relevant and timely.
Quotes by Jef Raskin
If our field is “to advance”, we must – without displacing creativity and aesthetics – make sure our terminology is clear.
Once the product’s task is known, design the interface first; then implement to the interface design.
What I proposed was a computer that would be easy to use, mix text and graphics, and sell for about $1,000. Steve Jobs said that it was a crazy idea, that it would never sell, and we didn’t want anything like it. He tried to shoot the project down.
I hate mice. The mouse involves you in arm motions that slow you down. I didn’t want it on the Macintosh, but Jobs insisted. In those days, what he said went, good idea or not.
I am confident that we can do better than GUIs because the basic problem with them (and with the Linux and Unix interfaces) is that they ask a human being to do things that we know experimentally humans cannot do well. The question I asked myself is, given everything we know about how the human mind works, could we design a computer and computer software so that we can work with the least confusion and greatest efficiency?
I hate mice. The mouse involves you in arm motions that slow you down. I didn't want it on the Macintosh, but Jobs insisted. In those days, what he said went, good idea or not.
When you have to choose among methods, your locus of attention is drawn from the task and temporarily becomes the decision itself.
If I am correct, the use of a product based on modelessness and monoty would soon become so habitual as to be nearly addictive, leading to a user population devoted to and loyal to the product.
