While it is an interesting exploration to disassemble something and attempt to diagnose why something is failing given its position in an art and design context, it is equally worthy to pay attention to something working.The new Ubuntu alternate wallpa…
Features
Featured articles are those that merit highlighting for their insightfulness and potential for discussion. You can submit an article of your own by joining Librescope.
MaverickMovies: How to Make (and How Not to Make) an Ubuntu Commercial
Look. I appreciate that you want to help. We depend on foot soldiers like you to get the word out about Ubuntu. But watching these videos (and others) drives me absolutely bonkers. Because I know this isn’t your best work. I know Canonical has given you about two hours in which to scramble to make [...]
Iterative Design – What is it?
Iterative design. It’s a relatively simple process. You come up with an idea, then have a go at it. Analyze it, test it, figure out what’s wrong with it, and if you’re lucky, how you might make it better. Then you refine it, circle back, and carry on the cycle. Iterative design is not throwing [...]
User Testing Is Largely Pointless
This post earlier reminded me of something I have been thinking about for a long time. For years usability languished in the FOSS world due to a combination of elitism and the belief that it was just a theme-pack away. As a result most FOSS projects are riddled with massive usability problems. It appears now [...]
Users and Developers in FOSS
Want to hear something interesting? The often made claim that “there are no distinctions between developers and users” is at worst a lie and at best misinformation. What it actually means is that if you really don’t like something about a program you have the code and can change it yourself. What the implication though [...]
Dissecting Maverick’s New Ambiance Theme
Earlier today Canonical announced the availability of a modified version of “Ambiance,” one of Ubuntu’s default “light themes.” The results represent a tremendous change and address many of the complaints leveled against the original themes when they were first unveiled in March of this year. Just compare the new theme with the old and you’ll [...]
Light Refinements
If you missed it, the new screenshots were released from Ubuntu’s new light theme. It was announced over at Canonical’s design website. Having a design website was a very important and significant addition, and I applaud whoever pushed (likely hard) to…
Abhorrent Absolutism
Mark Shuttleworth is prone to saying some extremely astute things.In this instance, it was Mr. Shuttleworth’s opinion on the culture of Free Software and its ability to solve problems. Not exactly a shocker for many of us. It’s an easy buy-in.What was …
Bitter Designers and Where We Need To Go
The recent Smashing Magazine post “Designers, ‘Hacks’ and Professionalism: Are We Our Own Worst Enemy?” is an interesting one. I urge you to read it. It brings up several different issues but one that struck a chord with me was the whole feeling about the commoditization of design. With sites like 99designs.com which leverage design [...]
Ubuntu’s Audio Panel – Who’s Fooling Whom?
It’s All New Design This Time! No Really!This is a good exercise that touches on why building a culture is so important. Every time I look at the new Ubuntu music-applet-sound-all-in-one-super panel I struggle against my instinctive reaction.I see a lo…