The invention of the whiteboard is often attributed to Martin Heit, a photographer. In the 1950s, Heit developed a coated steel surface intended for posting photographic prints. A separate, coincidental development occurred within the steel industry where Albert Stallion, working for Alliance, created a porcelain-enameled steel writing surface. While Heit’s product was intended for darkrooms, its potential as a writing surface quickly became apparent. Early versions used felt-tip markers and were marketed to homes, but wider adoption came after the invention of the dry-erase marker shortly thereafter.
These writable surfaces offered significant advantages over traditional chalkboards. Cleaner, more vibrant writing with easily erasable marks became a practical improvement in classrooms, offices, and other settings. This simple innovation transformed communication and collaboration, facilitating brainstorming sessions, presentations, and project planning. The evolution from chalk dust and smudges to the clean lines of dry-erase markers marked a substantial shift in how information was visually shared and disseminated.
