I am a designer. I do web designs and UI design.
I've been noticing how Open Source has contributed to my growth. Just wondering what are the options for a designer like me to contribute back to the community?
Ask HN: How can I contribute to Open Source as a Designer?
1–10 of 18 posts
Re: Ask HN: How can I contribute to Open Source as a Designer?
#2SO many open source projects could use the help of a designer! While we all like to describe open source projects as having a meritocracy, the accessibility of information about a project can be critical in picking up a large audience.
Git, for example, had a pretty ugly homepage. Something like this: http://git.or.cz/index.html After Scott Chacon got involved (not sure if he designed this or got outside help) launched the new face of git: http://git-scm.com/
We're all affected by our first impressions, and sometimes having a well-design site where folks can understand the context of an open source project can make or break its adoption.
I'd suggest just diving in head first. If you know of a project that you've enjoyed and are passionate about, ask if you can help re-design the web presence of that app. I can't imagine anyone turning you down!
Re: Ask HN: How can I contribute to Open Source as a Designer?
#3SO many open source projects could use the help of a designer! While we all like to describe open source projects as having a meritocracy, the accessibility of information about a project can be critical in picking up a large audience. Git, for example, had a pretty ugly homepage. Something like this: http://git.or.cz/index.html After Scott Chacon got involved (not sure if he designed this or got outside help) launch…
Wow! I feel welcomed.
I was thinking of contributing to WordPress but they already have good designers at hand. So next stop is Drupal perhaps. I see a lot of potential here. Real challenge to solve real problems!
Just need to figure out how to get started. Do I make my own stuff and release it for free? Join some team? Or it varies software to software?
Re: Ask HN: How can I contribute to Open Source as a Designer?
#4SO many open source projects could use the help of a designer! While we all like to describe open source projects as having a meritocracy, the accessibility of information about a project can be critical in picking up a large audience. Git, for example, had a pretty ugly homepage. Something like this: http://git.or.cz/index.html After Scott Chacon got involved (not sure if he designed this or got outside help) launch…
Wow! I feel welcomed. I was thinking of contributing to WordPress but they already have good designers at hand. So next stop is Drupal perhaps. I see a lot of potential here. Real challenge to solve real problems! Just need to figure out how to get started. Do I make my own stuff and release it for free? Join some team? Or it varies software to software?
Check out growvc.com, we are looking someone like you. We are not open source yet, but are heading that way...
Re: Ask HN: How can I contribute to Open Source as a Designer?
#5I would like to make a request:
Please search for a project not in the web area. Try to work with projects like Gimp, Inkscape, Gnome - they need more help in my opinion.
Re: Ask HN: How can I contribute to Open Source as a Designer?
#6Earlier quoted context omitted.
Wow! I feel welcomed. I was thinking of contributing to WordPress but they already have good designers at hand. So next stop is Drupal perhaps. I see a lot of potential here. Real challenge to solve real problems! Just need to figure out how to get started. Do I make my own stuff and release it for free? Join some team? Or it varies software to software?
Check out growvc.com, we are looking someone like you. We are not open source yet, but are heading that way...
I've herd about you some where. Are you working with L-pad?
Re: Ask HN: How can I contribute to Open Source as a Designer?
#7Most large open source projects have a 'design' or 'artwork' team, who actively seek contributions, for example:
http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Design
become a design ninja by completing one of the fedora bounties:
Try googling for +design, or +artwork.
For smaller projects, just do something and then show it to the dev's - explain _why_ it's good and _why_ it's better for the project - just looking nice often isn't enough; Open Source is a functioning meritocracy, mostly, so you'll have to convince people of the merits of what you've done and get them on board. If you're open minded, articulate and willing to help, I'm sure lots of projects will love to have you!
Re: Ask HN: How can I contribute to Open Source as a Designer?
#8At http://www.satchmoproject.com we could really use a designed to help spruce up the default layout. If you're interested, post on the list or email me and we can discuss.
Re: Ask HN: How can I contribute to Open Source as a Designer?
#9I would like to make a request: Please search for a project not in the web area. Try to work with projects like Gimp, Inkscape, Gnome - they need more help in my opinion.
Oh yeah! These are potential replacements for Photoshop, Illustrator etc. right?
Is it like if I use them they get better? Or do I report some problems or request features? How exactly will the communication go on between the developers and designers?
Re: Ask HN: How can I contribute to Open Source as a Designer?
#10Most large open source projects have a 'design' or 'artwork' team, who actively seek contributions, for example: http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Design http://art.gnome.org/ become a design ninja by completing one of the fedora bounties: http://mairin.wordpress.com/ Try googling for +design, or +artwork. For smaller projects, just do something and then show it to the dev's - explain _why_ it's good and _why_ it's bette…
Interesting! Thanks for the tips man!
I really love the idea of "Why" it's a designer's dream I tell you! I am excited!!