Jef Raskin
Apple interface expert who started the Macintosh project
- Lived
- 61 yrs
- 1943 – 2005
- Works listed
- 2
- Book, Computer
- Honours
- 0
- Awards & distinctions
- Profile views
- 2
- 0 followers
Jef Raskin was an American human–computer interface expert who began the Macintosh project at Apple in 1979, naming it after his favourite apple. Steve Jobs later took over the project. Raskin designed the Canon Cat and wrote The Humane Interface. He died in 2005.
Biography
Background
Raskin studied mathematics, philosophy and music and taught at the University of California, San Diego, where he wrote early computer graphics programs.
Apple
He joined Apple in 1978 as employee number 31, writing manuals. In 1979 he proposed an inexpensive, easy computer called Macintosh, after the McIntosh apple.
Jobs takes over
Jobs took over the project in 1981, adding the mouse, and Raskin left Apple in 1982.
Canon Cat and writing
His Canon Cat (1987) was a text-focused computer. His book The Humane Interface (2000) argued for simpler, modeless interfaces. He died of cancer in 2005.
Timeline
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1943
Born in New York City, United States
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1978
Joins Apple
-
1979
Proposes the Macintosh
-
1981
Steve Jobs takes over
-
1982
Leaves Apple
-
1987
Canon Cat
-
2000
The Humane Interface
-
2005
Dies
-
2005
Died, aged 61
Notable works
-
2000
The Humane Interface Book
-
1987
Canon Cat Computer
Did you know?
-
1
He deliberately misspelled the apple’s name to avoid a trademark clash.
-
2
He was also a musician and model-aircraft builder.
-
3
His son Aza Raskin invented infinite scrolling.
Connections
Related people
-
Steve Jobs
Technology · Co-founder of Apple who launched the Macintosh, iPod and iPhone
Took over the Macintosh project
-
Andy Hertzfeld
Technology · Software wizard of the original Macintosh team
Macintosh team
-
Bill Atkinson
Technology · Apple programmer who created MacPaint, QuickDraw and HyperCard
Macintosh team
Frequently asked
Who is Jef Raskin?
Jef Raskin was an American human–computer interface expert who began the Macintosh project at Apple in 1979, naming it after his favourite apple. Steve Jobs later took over the project. Raskin designed the Canon Cat and wrote The Humane Interface. He died in 2005.
When did Jef Raskin die?
Jef Raskin died on 26 February 2005 at the age of 61.
Where is Jef Raskin from?
Jef Raskin was born in New York City, United States.
What is Jef Raskin known for?
Jef Raskin is best known for Starting the Macintosh project (1979); The Humane Interface; Canon Cat.
References
- Jef Raskin — Wikipedia. Wikipedia. Retrieved 4 November 2026.
- Jef Raskin — Britannica. Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved 4 November 2026.
- Jef Raskin — Goodreads author page. Goodreads. Retrieved 4 November 2026.
- Jef Raskin (Q92740) — structured data. Wikidata. Retrieved 4 November 2026.
Includes material from the Wikipedia article “Jef Raskin”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. That text is available under the same licence. Learn more
External links
About this profile
- Researched by the TrackFame editorial team; reviewed by Sanjay Sokal under our editorial policy
- First published 4 November 2026
- Last updated
Cite this page
“Jef Raskin.” TrackFame, last updated 5 November 2026. https://trackfame.com/person/jef-raskin
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