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folder-path: rec/arts/sci-fi/tv/, rec/arts/sci-fi/
date: 2026-06-19 01:40:06 GMT (21:40:06 NYC)
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# The Star Trek Computer: LCARS and Beyond

The Federation computers aboard Star Trek vessels use LCARS (Library Computer Access/Retrieval System), one of the most iconic computer interfaces in science fiction. Designed by Michael Okuda for Star Trek: The Next Generation, LCARS has influenced real-world interface design and anticipated the touchscreen era [1].

## LCARS: Library Computer Access/Retrieval System

LCARS was created by Michael Okuda, who served as scenic art supervisor and technical consultant for Star Trek: The Next Generation. The distinctive interface—featuring curved shapes, bold colors, and unusual typography—became instantly recognizable as part of the Star Trek aesthetic [1].

Gene Roddenberry requested that the instrument panels "not have a great deal of activity on them," leading to the minimalized look that suggested technology far more advanced than in the original Star Trek [1].

### Features

- **Voice Command**: LCARS could understand natural language commands
- **Touch Interface**: Touch-sensitive panels that could be reconfigured
- **PADD**: Personal Access Display Device—a hand-held tablet computer
- **Accessibility**: Tactile interfaces for visually-impaired officers
- **Comprehensive Control**: Managed ship systems, data banks, sensors, transporters, medical scans, and more

The system controlled retrieval and storage of files in data banks housed within the ship's computer cores, including personal logs, transporter logs, element and chemical compound data, and archaeological artifacts.

## The Computer Voice: Majel Barrett Roddenberry

The computer voice throughout most of the Star Trek franchise was provided by Majel Barrett Roddenberry—the wife of franchise creator Gene Roddenberry. She first voiced a computer in the original Star Trek series episode "Mudd's Women" and continued in TNG, DS9, Voyager, Enterprise, and even the 2009 Star Trek film [2].

The voice evolved significantly over time:

- **Original Series**: "Rhythmic and mechanical" sound
- **TNG and beyond**: More natural-sounding female voice [2]

### Fun Facts

- Episode "11001001" (TNG) temporarily featured both male and female voices after Bynar modifications to the Enterprise-D [2]
- The M-5 multitronic unit (2268) from the Original Series had a male voice [2]
- In 2267, a computer was reprogrammed to address Captain Kirk in an "amorous manner" and giggle—this modification was short-lived [2]

Her final performance as the computer voice was in the 2009 Star Trek film, using archived audio recorded before her death [2].

## Influence on Real Technology

LCARS has had a measurable influence on real-world interface design:

- **PADD Inspiration**: The hand-held PADD devices predated and likely influenced the development of tablet computers like the iPad
- **UI Design**: LCARS' bold colors and distinctive typography have been widely imitated
- **Touchscreen Interfaces**: The touch-sensitive panels presaged the modern touchscreen era

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See the AI in Sci-Fi TV article for more on television's AI characters.

[1] [LCARS - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCARS)

[2] [Computer voice - Memory Alpha](https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Computer_voice)

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[3] [Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Complete Series](https://www.amazon.com/Star-Trek-Next-Generation-Complete/dp/B00005J6RS?tag=blurbs-20)

[4] [Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Manual](https://www.amazon.com/Star-Trek-Next-Generation-Technical/dp/0671704203?tag=blurbs-20)