Growing Cursor

History of the Computer Mouse

The computer mouse has a fascinating history that dates back to the early days of computing. Here's a brief overview of its evolution:

The First Mouse (1964)

Douglas Engelbart invented the first computer mouse in 1964 at the Stanford Research Institute. It was a wooden shell with two metal wheels and was called a "mouse" because the cord resembled a tail.

Xerox PARC and the GUI (1973)

Researchers at Xerox PARC improved the mouse design with a ball instead of wheels, making it more accurate. This was paired with the first graphical user interface (GUI) to create a revolutionary computing experience.

Apple and Popularization (1984)

While Apple's Lisa computer included a mouse in 1983, it was the Macintosh in 1984 that truly popularized the mouse for everyday computer users, making it a standard input device.

Microsoft and the Scroll Wheel (1996)

Microsoft introduced the scroll wheel in 1996, a significant enhancement that made navigating documents easier without relying solely on scrollbars.

Optical Mouse (1999)

Optical mice replaced ball mice at the end of the 1990s, using LED technology to track movement without requiring a mousepad and eliminating cleaning issues.

Wireless Mouse (Early 2000s)

Wireless mice became popular in the early 2000s, freeing users from cords and providing more flexibility in computer setups.

Multi-Touch and Modern Innovations (2009-Present)

Apple's Magic Mouse introduced multi-touch capabilities in 2009, allowing gesture controls. Today's mice include advanced features like adjustable DPI, programmable buttons, and ergonomic designs.

Cursor Design Evolution

Alongside the physical mouse, cursor designs have evolved significantly, from simple monochrome arrows to animated pointers, context-aware cursors, and custom themes.

About the Growing Cursor

A cursor that continuously grows over time, creating a unique visual experience that draws attention to cursor movement. The growing cursor challenges the standard expectation of a fixed-size pointer, adding a dynamic element to web browsing.