The first computer mouse was developed by: 

The correct answer is Douglas Engelbart.

Key Points

• Douglas Engelbart invented the first computer mouse in 1964 while working at the Stanford Research Institute (SRI).
• The mouse was originally made of wood and had two metal wheels that could move in different directions.
• Engelbart received the patent for the "X-Y Position Indicator for a Display System" (the official name for the mouse) in 1970.
• The invention of the mouse was part of Engelbart's larger project on human-computer interaction and computer networking.
• Engelbart's work laid the foundation for many modern computer technologies, including graphical user interfaces (GUIs).

Additional Information

• Stanford Research Institute (SRI)
  • It is a nonprofit scientific research institute based in Menlo Park, California.
  • Founded in 1946, SRI has been responsible for major technological innovations, including the computer mouse and the development of ARPANET, the precursor to the internet.
  • SRI collaborates with government agencies, businesses, and foundations to conduct research and development projects.
• Graphical User Interface (GUI)
  • A GUI allows users to interact with electronic devices using graphical icons and visual indicators, as opposed to text-based interfaces.
  • Douglas Engelbart's research and innovations significantly contributed to the development of GUIs.
  • Popularized by systems like Apple's Macintosh and Microsoft's Windows, GUIs have become the standard for personal computers.
• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
  • HCI is the study of how people interact with computers and to design technologies that let humans interact with computers in novel ways.
  • Engelbart's work in this field aimed at enhancing human intellect by improving the way people interact with computers.
  • HCI encompasses numerous fields, including computer science, cognitive psychology, and design.
• ARPANET
  • The Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET) was the first network to implement the protocol suite TCP/IP.
  • It was the precursor to the modern internet, allowing multiple computers to communicate on a single network.
  • ARPANET was funded by the U.S. Department of Defense and became operational in 1969.