Sep 27, 2015
Google's 17th Birthday
This Doodle’s Key Themes
In the world of computer programming, 17 is widely considered the least random number. To assume we made it this far without a little luck, though, would be like assuming lava lamps, turtlenecks, and servers held together by building blocks are harbingers of success. For our 17th birthday, we offer a glimpse into our humble beginnings, when branded hockey jerseys were cool and Savage Garden had a number-one single.
Sometimes you just gotta work with what you have. That’s how you end up with a server made up of toy building blocks.
Not sure what’s more of a relic from a bygone era, the lava lamp or the computer monitor.
Linux penguin was always in search of frosty beverages. Naturally.
Inside Google’s first office, also known as Larry and Sergey’s Stanford dorm rooms. They had to find alternative arrangements when the Stanford IT department complained they were sucking up all the bandwidth.
Google’s first homepage (it worked better than it looked).
The office (and attire) may have changed, but the people are still what matter the most.
Where this Doodle appeared
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The very first Doodle launched as an “out of office” message of sorts when company founders Larry and Sergey went on vacation.
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The first Doodle launched in 1998, before Google was officially incorporated.
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The first same day Doodle was created in 2009 when water was discovered on the moon.
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Doodle for Google student contest winners have gone on to become professional artists
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The time it takes from sketch to launch for a Doodle varies widely: some have taken years and others just a few hours!
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Hundreds of Doodles launch around the world every year. Often, several different ones are live in different places at the same time!
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Our most frequently recurring Doodle character is Momo the Cat - named after a real-life team pet!
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