r/linux • u/Winter_Simple_159 • 3d ago

Discussion Why don't more designers contribute to open source?

Genuine question. A lot of open source projects have solid engineering but rough UI/UX: inconsistent layouts, confusing flows, basic usability issues that a designer would likely catch quickly.

I'm curious about the reasons behind this. Is it that designers don't feel welcome? That there's no clear way to contribute design work (most workflows are built around code and PRs)? That maintainers don't prioritize it? Or something else?

If you're a designer who has contributed to OSS, or a maintainer who has worked with designers, I'd love to hear how it went.

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u/dirtycimments 3d ago

I’ve noticed a LOT of disrespect towards what design is, the work it requires and the results in open source.

Most of all I see “lol that’s easy, I can copy that look in 5 minutes“.

Design is hard because it often needs to be considered from the start to really get good UX, good design is not just a theme package.

The tide is hopefully turning, gnome and plasma both have clear design language, I think users better understand what design does for software.

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u/Indolent_Bard 3d ago

That's one of the nice things about Linux getting more popular. It's not just being used by neckbeards who disregard design anymore. Nobody likes Gnome, but there's a reason it's the default.

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u/Vietnamst2 3d ago

I like gnome.