[Sigia-l] UI for the $150 Laptop (OLPC)

[Celeste 'seele' Paul]

On Saturday 02 December 2006 06:32, Zbigniew Lukasiak wrote:
> Going back to the subject of OSS and design.  If we agree that there
> is lack of design in OSS than wouldn't it be beneficial if the OSS
> movement actively welcomed designers instead of starting with setting
> up barriers for them?  I mean that attitude thing - it is important on
> both sides isn't it?

Absolutely, but the fact remains that developers are in controll of the 
projects, and designers who want to become involved have to sell themselves 
just like they would in industry.  Think of it as a typical client 
relationship: they know they want this design thing, but they have no idea 
what it involves or takes, and might get a little shocked or apprehensive 
once they see it in action, but in the end they're happy with the results.

The attitude problems probably depends on the project.  Many have realised 
that they *want* good design, but they dont know how to get it, nor what it 
involves.  That requires education on the developers part, which for the most 
part, only designers can provide.  

There are certainly some projects which developers think they dont need good 
design, and that is where you will find the most friction.  Unless there is 
an advocate on the inside, it is pretty unlikely that the designer, as an 
outsider, will be able to get in unless they make a very good case for 
themselves.

This really isn't different than say 5 years ago in the industry, when design 
still had to sell itself to justify existance.  They dynamics are just very 
different, andthat client experience and relationship knowledge doesn't apply 
neatly back to OSS.

~ C

-- 
Celeste 'seele' Paul
www.obso1337.org