Lessons from the Creation of VisiCalc: The First Killer App
amsterdam, maandag, 20 oktober 2025.
In a recent episode of the ‘Learning from Machine Learning’ podcast, Dan Bricklin, co-creator of VisiCalc, shares his experiences building the first electronic spreadsheet. Bricklin emphasises that new technologies must be 100 times better than existing solutions to truly make an impact. He also discusses the unexpected ways in which VisiCalc has changed people’s lives, such as a mother who was able to help her daughter with cerebral palsy with her homework.
The Impact of VisiCalc
In the episode of ‘Learning from Machine Learning’, Dan Bricklin, co-creator of VisiCalc, shares his experiences building the first electronic spreadsheet. Bricklin emphasises that new technologies must be 100 times better than existing solutions to truly make an impact. He tells of the unexpected ways in which VisiCalc has changed people’s lives, such as a mother who was able to help her daughter with cerebral palsy with her homework [1].
100 Times Better Solutions
Bricklin’s framework is simple but powerful: breakthroughs in innovation must be 100 times better, not incrementally better. This question is crucial for current AI innovations. What is it really better at? What does it enable? What compromises are made? And does it pay for itself immediately? Bricklin argues that these questions are just as relevant for AI as they were for the rise of the spreadsheet [1].
Unexpected Impact
One of the key lessons Bricklin shares is that we never fully understand the impact of what we build. Whether it’s a mother helping her daughter with cerebral palsy with her homework or a couple meeting during a spreadsheet course, the moments that are most worth remembering are the unexpected ones where your work changes people’s lives in unexpected ways [1].
Application in the Modern World
The lessons from the creation of VisiCalc remain relevant for modern technologies, including AI. Bricklin stresses the need to develop technology that is not only functional but also easy to use and accessible to a broad audience. This means designing technology with the user in mind, and ensuring that its impact on daily life is central [1].
Ethical Considerations
Alongside technical challenges, there are ethical considerations that must be weighed. Bricklin points out that technology is not neutral and that developers are responsible for the impact of their work. It is essential to investigate potential unintended consequences and try to minimise them [1].
Conclusion
Dan Bricklin’s experiences with VisiCalc offer valuable lessons for the development of current and future technologies. By striving for solutions that are 100 times better, recognising the unexpected impact, and taking ethical considerations seriously, we can create technologies that truly have a positive influence on people’s lives [1].