The problem with open source software is that it's user interfaces "go their own direction" instead of replicating the tried-and-true interfaces that everyones familiar with, causing frustration and confusion in the users.
If someone made a Linux distro that visually looked and functioned 99% like Windows 7,8, or 10 - there would be twice as many users.
Just a small example, but here's GIMP re-defining the meaning of the "Save / Save As" function that everyones familiar with in bitmap editors to mean: "Export into a weird custom format" rather than Save meaning save to standard bitmap JPG / PNG image. If they made it look and feel more like Paint there would be twice as many users, but they've overly complicated it to the point its uncomfortable to use.
>instead of replicating the tried-and-true interfaces that everyones familiar with It's not even about replicating. There are sets of books on why common UI elements are used and certain principles a UI should conform to to make it easier for the user to navigate and activate functionality. FOSS typically ignores a a good deal of research done on user interfaces because the software is designed by introverted computer nerds who don't care about usability. When a community member brought up improving the Blender GUI one of the foundation members and several community members laughed it off, suggesting they LIKE how exclusive blender is because of the barrier to entry that is the obtuse, shortcut focused interface. And blender is probably one of the most widely used pieces of FOSS. In other words, the poor UI is not seen as a problem by most of the FOSS community at large, they like it that way. It'll stay that way unless a UX designer fixes it themselves. It's pointless to make these threads because you're trying to convince a bunch of pigs to not roll in the mud
Jayden Green
You guys are laughed off because you don't have anything to actually bring to the table. Just buzzwords and surface level complaints. If your problem is with the UI, you're missing the fucking point.
William Anderson
Do you genuinely think UI is not an important part of software?
When you do "Save/Save as" on Photoshop it opens the box that lets you pick JPG or PNG etc. The way it should be..
Gimp should rename it's "Export" to "Save/Save as" and then change the original "Save as" (XFC) to "Save GIMP file" or something similar, further down the menu.
But I guess it's a lost cause, since its basically set in stone at this point. All the FOSS nerds have gotten used to the old flawed design already, so screw all the normal people who might use the software in the future.
Mason Wright
Linux Desktop Environment creators wont simply copy the Windows UI because they're scared of getting sued by Microsoft.
GIMP creators wont simply copy the Photoshop Layout because they're scared of getting sued by Adobe.
...both to an extreme detriment of the software's usability which gives millions of end users a bad impression and holds them back from using it.
It's time open source software says "screw software patents", copys the software giant's designs which actually work, turns to the dark side, goes underground, starts hosting their code on the dark web and out of jurisdiction from these major tech companies who artificially hold back technological progress.
Lincoln Wright
>The way it should be.. When FOSS software imitates their proprietary counterparts, it's disregarded as a "cheap copy". When it does something different, it's wrong too.
I don't think having to learn that two buttons do different things is that difficult.
You can file all the bug reports you want, even if 100s of users agree it's a bug and that critical feature is missing, you'll be stonewalled and ignored for 14 years. Example of this is the lack of image thumbnails in the file chooser dialogue used by default in most distros. bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=141154&
Gabriel Cruz
So, have you tried to do so already? Give me the link and I'll upvote your bug report. ;-)
Zachary Ward
They just enjoy their special snowflake status too much, and if people finally started to use their software that wouldn't be possible anymore.
This. Normalfags and popularity ruin everything. I say we should laugh at those who find the terminal intimidating, those who believe that mpv needs a GUI, for they'll be gone sooner.
Alexander Howard
the developers don't know anything about UX design, which is a shame
Josiah Bell
This attitude is equivocal to being a free unpaid advertiser for Adobe and Microsoft
Carter Walker
So right, OP! Sure am glad that I am a Registered Microsoft® Windows® User so that I don't have to deal with inconsistent user interfaces! Proprietary closed software that amateurs can't just go ahead and edit sure is the future!
comparing GIMP to ms paint. are you fucking autistic?
Charles Bell
not sure if brainlet OP or just another retarded "controversial" thread just to create some traffic
Gavin Baker
Indeed the UI is usually shit However I think you completely misunderstand how open source software works.
If you don't like it, you change the UI and submit a pull request. If they accept you've just fixed their shitty UI. If they don't you can always fork it and run your own project.
Andrew Johnson
>make everything exactly like windows
Do you know what patents are? Because Windows/Apple have patented almost every desktop design, so there's a reason why you don't see Win 10x UI with a linux/bsd kernel background being openly distributed without a billion takedown notices or lawsuits
something being popular doesn't warrant that it's good have you ever thought that they tried to copy it but leave all of the shitty parts out of it, and this is how they went on? because this is what everyone does and this is how shit progresses. either shit sticks or it don't
Jaxon Moore
really though do they really develop thinking of how to dodge all these patents lol
