Joining Apple Computer

a year ago

The author joined Apple Computer on April 27, 1978, marking a significant turning point in their life.
Initially hesitant to leave their PhD in neuroscience, they were persuaded by Steve Jobs' vision of being at the forefront of technology.
Steve Jobs' analogy of surfing the front edge of a wave convinced the author to quit graduate studies and join Apple.
At Apple, the author worked on porting the UCSD Pascal system to the Apple II, overcoming initial resistance.
They played a key role in the Lisa project, advocating for a mouse to be included and pushing for a white background for better graphics.
The author developed QuickDraw, the Lisa Window Manager, Event Manager, and Menu Manager, and invented the pull-down menu.
They also created MacPaint, demonstrating the creative potential of computers with graphics displays and mice.
Inspired by an LSD journey, the author designed HyperCard, an authoring system for non-programmers, predating the first web browser by six years.
After 12 years at Apple, the author co-founded General Magic to work on personal communicators.
Reflecting on their journey, the author expresses gratitude to Jef Raskin and Steve Jobs for the opportunity to make a global impact.

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