1982

AutoCAD

Michael Riddle (dates unavailable), John Walker (b. 1950)

Some of the most spectacular, physics-defying buildings in the world—such as the Sydney Opera House—owe their existence to computer-aided design (CAD) programs such as AutoCAD. AutoCAD was one of the earliest and most influential software programs for design and blueprinting of buildings and structures. It dramatically increased productivity, unlocked the practical limitations of architectural and engineering design, and enabled the real-world fabrication of structures that otherwise would have been impossible to translate from paper.

Released in 1982, one of the most revolutionary aspects of AutoCAD was how and where it could be used. Rather than running on a large mainframe with a separate graphics controller (standard for CAD software at the time), AutoCAD was released as an application that ran on a personal computer. Architects and others who depended on CAD now had a tool that not only was more convenient to access, but also offered features that would let them easily make modifications and updates as projects evolved or requirements changed. For those who previously worked from paper with drafting tables and other “analog” design tools, AutoCAD was transformational. Later versions would include many more features and capabilities, such as collaboration functions for dispersed teams and individuals as well as technical feedback that informed decisions about the real-world structural integrity of a proposed design.

AutoCAD built upon decades of research in computer graphics, much of it funded by the US government. The program itself was based on a 1979 program called Interact CAD designed by Mike Riddle. Along with programmer John Walker and 13 other cofounders, they created a company called Autodesk®. AutoCAD was one of five different desktop automation tools that the founders planned to pursue as products. AutoCAD was the first one completed and launched to market. It was introduced at COMDEX (Computer Dealers’ Exhibition) in Las Vegas and described as the first CAD program to run on a PC. The product would quickly grow to become the most popular CAD software in the world.

Computer-aided design programs allow architects and others to design and blueprint buildings and structures, such as the front elevation of the building shown here.