Jef Raskin

Jef Raskin (March 9, 1943 — February 26, 2005) was an American human-computer interface expert best known for starting the Macintosh project for Apple in the late 1970s."Jef Raskin is an interface and systems designer, a writer, and a consultant, concentrating primarily on making computers more usable and their interfaces efficient as well as pleasant. He is also well-known as an expert on the aerodynamics of miniature aircraft."

Raskin's contributions to user interface design are numerous: He is best known for being the driving force in creating the Apple Macintosh user interface. He also created the Canon Cat, click-and-drag selection and other inventions. In addition, he coined the term and the concept of "information appliances."

Raskin has written numerous articles and books. In 2000, he published the book The Humane Interface, which presents his vision of human interface design. Raskin says that "our honeymoon with digital technology is over: We are tired of having to learn huge, arcane programs to do even the simplest of tasks; we have had our fill of crashing computers; and we are fatigued by the continual pressure to upgrade. The Humane Interface delivers a way for computers, information appliances, and other technology-driven products to continue to advance in power and expand their range of applicability, while becoming free of the hassles and obscurities that plague present products."
(Based on Raskin's Website, adapted)