Introduction
In the field of computing evolution, the graphical user interface (GUI) has become a transformative force, redefining the way we interact with technology. From humble beginnings in visionary labs in the 1960s to today’s touch screens, the GUIs’ journey is testament to the quest for user computing. From pioneering experiments at Xerox’s Palo Alto Research Center to the rise of Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac. The evolution of GUIs, marked by Windows, icons, and touch interactions, reflects the dynamic interplay between design and human-computer interaction.
1963-Star with Sketchpad
In 1963, the earliest Windows system concept was proposed with the first computer real-time graphics display system, the SAGE Project and Ivan Sutherland’s Sketchpad. It was the world’s first computer-aided design (CAD) system, but its impact went far beyond its original purpose. Unlike contemporary text-based interfaces, Sketchpad allows users to interact graphically with computers, opening up a new dimension of possibility.
Ivan Sutherland demonstrating Sketchpad
Sketchpad pioneered human-computer interaction; It was a precursor to the graphical user interface (GUI) programs used in all computers, gaming devices, MP3 players, and smartphones today.
1970s-Xerox Alto
The first computer using the Alto operating system was developed at Xerox’s PARC research Center. Alto was the first operating system to feature all the essential elements of a modern graphical user interface. It has three-button mouse, Bitmap display and the use of graphical Windows. It had a major impact on the development of future computer systems.
The Alto consists of four main parts: a graphical display, a keyboard, a graphical mouse, and a disk storage box.
1980s-Developmental Period
Three Rivers PERQ
Three Rivers Computer Corporation introduces the Perq graphical workstation.
It was the first commercially produced personal workstation with a graphical user interface (GUI). The PERQ’s design was heavily influenced by the original workstation computer, the Xerox Alto.
Xerox introduces the Star, the commercial successor to the Alto. It had Double-clickable icons, overlapping windows, dialog boxes and a 1024*768 monochrome display.
Visi On
Visi On is the first full-featured desktop graphical user interface for the IBM PC. In many ways, Visi On was very advanced for its time. It features graphical overlay Windows, common user interface controls.
Apple Lisa and Macintosh
Apple Lisa is the first mass market personal computer operable through a graphical user interface. The Apple Lisa office system was released in 1983 by Apple Computer with their Lisa microcomputers. The Lisa’s hardware, operating system, and office applications were designed by Apple to work together to create a powerful document processing workstation.
At the time, the Lisa’s main competitors were large computers like the Perq and the Xerox Star, as well as a variety of small, non-graphical office systems. Unfortunately, the Lisa fell victim to Apple’s own Macintosh, which was similar to the Lisa but greatly reduced in size and cost much less.
Lisa features a drop-down menu and main course menu. By 1984, the Macintosh was the first commercial product to successfully use a graphical user interface. The virtual desktop concept comes into use, where files look like a piece of paper and directories look like folders; There is also a set of desktop gadgets such as computers, notebooks and clocks. All of these items can be placed on the screen as desired by the user, or files and folders can be deleted by dragging them into the trash on the screen. In 1985, Geos released the Commodo 64 system after Apple’s AppleII. In 1987, Apple announced the Macintosh, the first color display model for the Macintosh.
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft is now the world’s largest supplier of computer software. It is also a leading provider of cloud computing services, video games, computer and gaming hardware, search and other online services. However, in 1985, Microsoft finally released the first version of Windows. Windows 1.0 was an important milestone for Microsoft. In 1987, Microsoft released the second version of Windows. It finally has resizable windows and new windowing controls.
1990s
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows 3.0, released in 1990, played a pivotal role in popularizing GUIs for personal computers. It introduced features like overlapping windows, icons, and a mouse-driven interface, making computing more accessible to a broader audience.
IBM OS/2
In 1992, IBM released OS/2, an operating system that featured a robust graphical user interface. Although OS/2 faced stiff competition from Windows, it showcased IBM’s commitment to providing a user-friendly experience with advanced features, including preemptive multitasking and a customizable Workplace Shell.
Apple OS
Apple introduced its updated operating system in 1991, featuring a revamped desktop environment known as Apple OS. This OS brought significant improvements, including the Control Strip, a customizable menu bar, and enhanced multitasking capabilities. This laid the foundation for future Mac operating systems.
Photon microGUI
The Photon microGUI is associated with the QNX operating system, which gained prominence in the mid-1990s. Developed by QNX Software Systems, Photon microGUI was a lightweight and real-time graphical user interface designed for embedded systems and resource-constrained environments.
Photon microGUI featured a modular architecture, allowing developers to create custom graphical interfaces tailored to the specific needs of embedded systems. It utilized a client-server model, where the server handled graphics rendering, and the client applications communicated with the server for GUI functionality.
Known for its responsiveness and efficiency, Photon microGUI found applications in various industries, including automotive systems, industrial control systems, and medical devices. Its adaptability made it a popular choice for devices requiring a graphical interface in constrained computing environments.
2000s
Windows
Microsoft continued to refine its GUI with Windows 2000, building on the success of earlier versions. This operating system brought improvements in stability, security, and introduced the Active Desktop feature for dynamic content.
Windows XP represented a significant GUI evolution, combining the stability of Windows 2000 with a more visually appealing interface. The Start menu received a facelift, and the Luna theme introduced a more vibrant and colorful design.
IBM eServer BladeCenter Management Module Interface
In the early 2000s, IBM introduced the eServer BladeCenter Management Module Interface, a GUI designed for managing and configuring IBM’s BladeCenter servers. This interface played a crucial role in simplifying the management of server infrastructure.
Apple macOS X
Apple introduced macOS X in 2001, a major departure from the classic Mac OS. It featured the Aqua interface, with translucent elements, a redesigned Dock, and improved graphics. macOS X combined a Unix-based core with a user-friendly GUI.
Web-based GUIs
The late 2000s witnessed the rise of web-based GUIs with the advent of Web 2.0. Rich Internet Applications emerged, leveraging technologies to provide more interactive and dynamic user interfaces within web browsers.
Present
The landscape of operating systems has witnessed significant transformations over the years, shaped by the relentless pursuit of innovation and user-friendly interfaces. Two giants in the tech industry, Apple and Microsoft, have played pivotal roles in steering the course of these changes.
The year 2010 marked a groundbreaking moment when Apple launched the iPad, revolutionizing the tablet market. This sleek and portable device redefined how users interacted with technology, setting the stage for a new era in computing. In 2012, Microsoft responded with the release of Windows 8, introducing the Modern UI. This bold move aimed to unify the user interface across desktop and mobile devices, challenging traditional norms.
Windows 8 brought forth a paradigm shift in user interface design, featuring a minimalist approach optimized for mobile devices. The introduction of full-screen “Modern UI” apps, coupled with the removal of the traditional “Start” menu from the desktop, stirred mixed reactions among users. The heavy promotion of touch navigation on desktop systems and invisible mouse actions in the corners of the screen added an element of complexity to the user experience.
In 2013, Apple launched iOS 7, a significant departure from its previous design language, embracing a flat design that transformed the interface of mobile devices. The following year, Apple introduced Mac OS X Yosemite, extending the flat design philosophy to the Mac, and unifying the user interface with iOS. This move demonstrated Apple’s commitment to a seamless and consistent user experience across its product ecosystem.
Responding to user feedback and criticism, Microsoft released Windows 10 in July 2015. This operating system marked a return to a more traditional desktop interface, bringing back the beloved “Start” menu and allowing “Metro” app windows to overlap. Windows 10 aimed to strike a balance between the innovative elements of Windows 8 and the familiarity of earlier Windows versions.
In 2020, Apple introduced the M1 chip and macOS Big Sur, representing a paradigm shift in the Mac ecosystem. This release brought a new user interface and experience, aligning the Mac more closely with the design principles established in iOS. The integration of the M1 chip showcased Apple’s commitment to performance and efficiency, further blurring the lines between mobile and desktop computing.
In 2021, Microsoft released Windows 11. The update featured changes to the start menu, centered taskbar icons, and increased advertising. While the alterations were largely cosmetic, they reflected the ongoing competition between Apple and Microsoft to capture the attention of users.
Conclusion
The history of the graphical user interface (GUI) has transformed the way we interact with computers, evolving from command-line interfaces to user-friendly experiences in the 1980s. The introduction of the mouse and graphical elements revolutionized accessibility, reaching a wider audience.
Key milestones include the development of the Xerox Alto, the success of the Apple Macintosh, and the adoption of Microsoft Windows. These not only showcase technological advances but also emphasize intuitive design and user-centric interfaces.
GUIs have become integral to various devices, from personal computers to smartphones. Ongoing improvements, such as touchscreens and gesture controls, bridge the gap between humans and machines.
The history of GUIs is the foundation for the future of human-computer interaction, demonstrating the relentless pursuit of accessible, user-friendly technologies seamlessly integrated into everyday life — from text-based commands to visually intuitive interfaces.
Works Cited
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“Apple Lisa.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 9 Jan. 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Lisa.
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