The Learning Research Group (LRG) headed by Alan Kay at Xerox PARC created much of the technology we see in computers today (including the Graphical User Interface and other software). The LRG was also known (within PARC) as the ‘Lunatic Fringe’ because of their fun work ethic, idealism and single-minded focus on creating the ‘Dynabook’, an interactive learning tool for children. Their innovative work contributed to the ALTO computer, also known as the Interim Dynabook created by the Computer Research group headed by Butler Lampson and Chuck Thacker.

Listen to song about LRG from XEROX PARC musical, below:
(music & lyrics by Terry Crystal, piano by Eric J Chen, singing by Peter Tone and ensemble)

(Guitar & vocals by Tiny Villiage Music; Ross Boyd & Jamie Feinberg)

SHAPE OF LEARNING
THEY CALL US THE LUNATIC FRINGE
I GUESS THEY SEE US AS DREAMERS
OUR HEADS IN THE SKY
WE HAVE STARS IN OUR EYES
WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THE DYNABOOK …