The Apple Lisa was a revolutionary computer that was introduced in 1983. It was the first personal computer to feature a graphical user interface (GUI) and a mouse. The Lisa was also the first computer to use a 3.5-inch floppy disk drive, which became the standard for all future computers.
The Lisa was designed to be a high-end computer for business users. It was expensive, with a price tag of $9,995, which was equivalent to over $25,000 in today’s dollars. Despite its high price, the Lisa was a commercial failure, and Apple only sold about 10,000 units.
However, the Lisa’s design was ahead of its time, and it has endured as a classic example of industrial design. The Lisa’s design was the work of a team led by Jerry Manock, who was Apple’s industrial design manager at the time.
The Lisa’s design was influenced by the work of Dieter Rams, who was the chief designer at Braun. Rams’ design philosophy emphasized simplicity, functionality, and minimalism. The Lisa’s design reflected these principles, with its clean lines, simple shapes, and uncluttered appearance.
The Lisa’s case was made of injection-molded plastic, which was a new technology at the time. The plastic was molded in a way that gave it a smooth, seamless appearance. The Lisa’s case was also designed to be easy to open, so that users could easily access the computer’s internal components.
The Lisa’s keyboard was also a work of art. It was designed to be ergonomic, with a curved shape that fit the natural contours of the hands. The keys were arranged in a grid pattern, which made it easy to find the right key without looking.
The Lisa’s mouse was also a masterpiece of design. It was made of injection-molded plastic, and it had a smooth, seamless appearance that matched the computer’s case. The mouse was designed to be easy to use, with a single button that could be clicked with the index finger.
The Lisa’s design has endured because it was so well thought out. Every aspect of the computer was designed to be functional, easy to use, and aesthetically pleasing. The Lisa’s design was a reflection of Apple’s commitment to excellence, and it set the standard for all future Apple products.
In conclusion, the Apple Lisa was a commercial failure, but its design has endured as a classic example of industrial design. The Lisa’s design was influenced by the work of Dieter Rams, and it reflected his design philosophy of simplicity, functionality, and minimalism. The Lisa’s design was a masterpiece of industrial design, and it set the standard for all future Apple products.