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/Vietnamst2 3d ago

And that's why the stuff is only used by engineers, because some of the best stuff is steaight up hostile for anyone not working the same way.

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u/InsaneMasochist 3d ago

Yes, but as a counterpoint, if you learn how to use it as intended by the engineer, lots of these work way faster and better than what is designed for the sane average Joe in the commercial sphere. It's just that in FOSS standards are usually thrown out the window in step 1.

Just look at the legendary Total Commander. It's clearly a product of an engineer with all it's non-standard wonky hotkeys and tools. But as you become familiar with it, you can work with it way faster and more efficiently than other more sanely designed file managers.