Re:Ask HN: Main reason that year of the Linux desktop hasn't...
by open-source-ux on Saturday July 18, 2020 @04:44PM
(#23884678)
You can't design a desktop GUI by committee. But when it comes to Linux everyone wants a say. The model for open source code contributions just doesn't work for visual and interaction design. (Or if it does, I've yet to see a successful example that wasn't an exception rather than the rule).
When there are too many participants in the visual and interaction design of a program or OS, you end up with a project pulled in every direction and pleasing to no-one. But if you go the opposite route and limit design decisions to a dedicated UX team (like Canonical did for Ubuntu), you end up generating resentment from contributors or users who feel their input is being ignored.
One of the best Linux desktop GUIs was Corel Linux which was released in 1999(!). Corel understood that a consistent look-and-feel and ease-of-use were essential to attract new users. But even back then they faced criticism from Linux developers over various design decisions. Rinse and repeat this scenario for every attempt to create a consistent, cohesive Linux desktop over the years.
When there are too many participants in the visual and interaction design of a program or OS, you end up with a project pulled in every direction and pleasing to no-one. But if you go the opposite route and limit design decisions to a dedicated UX team (like Canonical did for Ubuntu), you end up generating resentment from contributors or users who feel their input is being ignored.
One of the best Linux desktop GUIs was Corel Linux which was released in 1999(!). Corel understood that a consistent look-and-feel and ease-of-use were essential to attract new users. But even back then they faced criticism from Linux developers over various design decisions. Rinse and repeat this scenario for every attempt to create a consistent, cohesive Linux desktop over the years.