Jef Raskin (born Jeff Raskin; March 9, 1943 – February 26, 2005) was an American human-computer interface expert best known for conceiving and initiating the Macintosh project at Apple in the late 1970s. He played a foundational role in shaping the early vision for the Macintosh computer, emphasizing ease of use and accessibility for non-technical users. Raskin joined Apple as its 31st employee and served as manager of publications and later as manager of the Macintosh project from 1979 to 1982. Before Apple, Raskin taught computer science at the University of California, San Diego, and was a visiting scholar at Stanford University. He also founded the technical publishing firm Bannister & Crun, which produced the Apple II BASIC Programming Manual. His interdisciplinary background included studies in mathematics, philosophy, and computer science, as well as work as a musician, conductor, and music teacher. Raskin’s key achievement was pioneering the concept of a graphical user interface (GUI) for personal computers, inspired by his belief that computers should be designed for the average person, not just experts. He advocated for bitmapped graphics and user-friendly design, influencing the direction of personal computing. After leaving Apple, he founded Information Appliance, Inc., where he developed the SwyftCard and Swyft computer, later licensed to Canon as the Canon CAT. He also authored the influential book The Humane Interface (2000), which explored principles of user-centered design. Raskin held several patents and contributed extensively to the fields of interface design and information technology. He continued to consult, write, and lecture until his death from pancreatic cancer in 2005. His work remains relevant in discussions about usability and the evolution of personal computing.