Just got news from John Maloney (of KM Cluster fame) about this tribute to Doug Engelbart.

Most people in the high-technology world know of Doug as the inventor of the mouse. Most people who’ve toiled in the field of computer-supported collaborative work know that Doug was the first person to envision frameworks for sharing desktop screens and truly collaborating. Many people have heard of Doug’s vision for how computers augment human capabilities, making each of us smarter and more effective. Doug, of course, had the vision years and years ago, while many are just now catching up to the idea of information at our fingertips on those palms and PDAs.

I was privileged to attend a Bootstrap Seminar in March of 1991. It was a transformative event in my career, for any number of reasons.

1. He gave history and context to my work in understanding collaboration systems and contextual design, including (and especially) the human interface factors.
2. The seminars focused on building communities and networks, starting with the here and now. It is to my discredit that I did not keep in regular touch with my co-participants following the event.
3. I have used the bootstrap model of A, B, and C communities ever since that seminar. As a “C”, I have always been in the role of sensing what’s new (in information technology, organizational effectiveness, knowledge management) and bringing an understanding of how to apply the new stuff in organizations

Just this past month as I work with my new colleagues in Cynefin and the KM cluster I have been reminded of the bootstrap model and motivated to go back and look at the binder from the seminar, rich in detail and evocative of a special experience. As the years go by, my understanding deepens and I realize it will be decades more before I “get” all that I need to learn.

When I can find my “class photo” from the seminar, I’ll post it…