Ben Shneiderman

Date of Birth: August 21, 1947

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Biography

Ben Shneiderman is a distinguished American computer scientist, renowned for his pioneering contributions to the field of human-computer interaction (HCI). He was born on August 21, 1947, in New York City, New York. Shneiderman is a professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Maryland, where he has significantly influenced the development of user interface design and information visualization. Shneiderman received his Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Physics from the City College of New York in 1968, followed by a PhD in Computer Science from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1973. Throughout his illustrious career, Shneiderman has authored several seminal books and papers, including “Designing the User Interface: Strategies for Effective Human-Computer Interaction” and “The Craft of Information Visualization: Readings and Reflections.” His work has earned him numerous accolades, including election to the National Academy of Engineering and the ACM SIGCHI Lifetime Achievement Award. Shneiderman’s innovative ideas, such as the development of the direct manipulation concept and the formulation of the information-seeking mantra, have left an indelible mark on the field of computer science.

5 Interesting Facts about Ben Shneiderman

1. Ben Shneiderman developed the concept of direct manipulation, which has become a fundamental principle in user interface design.

2. He authored the influential book “Designing the User Interface: Strategies for Effective Human-Computer Interaction,” which is widely used in academic and professional settings.

3. Shneiderman is a co-founder of the Human-Computer Interaction Lab at the University of Maryland, one of the leading research centers in the field.

4. He proposed the information-seeking mantra: “Overview first, zoom and filter, then details-on-demand,” which guides effective information visualization.

5. Shneiderman has received multiple prestigious awards, including the ACM SIGCHI Lifetime Achievement Award and election to the National Academy of Engineering.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ben Shneiderman

1. “The purpose of visualization is insight, not pictures.”

2. “A picture is worth a thousand words. An interface is worth a thousand pictures.”

3. “The joy of understanding is the greatest joy of all.”

4. “Good user interface design facilitates human performance and reduces error rates.”

5. “The goal of human-computer interaction is to amplify human abilities.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a respected academic and author, Ben Shneiderman’s highest net worth is estimated to be in the range of $1-5 million, primarily derived from his academic salary, book royalties, and consulting work.