Bill Moggridge, designer of first laptop computer, dies at age 69

Bill Moggridge, the designer of the first ever laptop computer, has died, aged 69, following a battle with cancer.

In the late 1970s the British-born designer was tasked with creating a rugged, portable computer. Moggridge came up with the Grid Compass, the first clamshell laptop that combined a screen, keyboard and computer in one case.

Released in 1982 the Grid Compass (pictured below) was so successful it was used by Nasa in its space-shuttle missions during the 1980s and by the US military. The influential design went on to become the laptop we all know and love today.

His professional life also saw him advise the British government on design education, become a trustee of the Design Museum in London and take on the role of visiting professor at the Royal College of Art in London. Moggridge also wrote several books on design as well as producing videos, presentations and teaching.

In his most recent role Moggridge was director of the Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in New York.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Karin, and two sons, Alex and Erik.

Images copyright Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, Smithsonian Institution