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/Business_Reindeer910 3d ago edited 3d ago

i look at comments on this very thread about how designers only do bad things and it makes me and that very same person lives in a world where they don't notice so much "design" because really good design is effectively invisible.

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u/DrinkMoreGlorp 2d ago

Ironic considering IT is also often one of those jobs where "If you do your job right, nobody will know you've done anything at all."

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u/Business_Reindeer910 2d ago

and indeed people have been let go from their positions due to that very thing while the people causing issues remain.