Ted Nelson

Ted Nelson is an American computer scientist, philosopher, and visionary best known for coining the terms "hypertext" and "hypermedia." Born on June 17, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois, Nelson has been a pioneering figure in the field of information technology. He introduced the concept of hypertext in the 1960s, laying the groundwork for the development of the World Wide Web and other interactive, non-linear systems of information management.

Nelson's seminal work, "Project Xanadu," aimed to create a computer network with a simple user interface that would enable users to access a vast, interconnected web of documents. Although Project Xanadu was never fully realized as originally envisioned, its principles influenced many aspects of modern computing and the internet, including the development of the World Wide Web by Tim Berners-Lee.

In addition to his work on hypertext, Nelson has been involved in various other projects and has written several books, including "Computer Lib / Dream Machines" and "Literary Machines." These works explore his vision for the future of computing and information management, advocating for user-friendly systems that empower individuals to navigate and manipulate information in a more intuitive way.

Throughout his career, Ted Nelson has been a proponent of radical change in the way we think about and interact with computers and information. His ideas have had a lasting impact on the field, shaping the development of modern computing and the internet.