Usability in open source: Community

Abstract

The usability of desktop-based open source operating system, such as Linux is discussed. The Free/OpenSource software (F/OSS) community has started focusing on end users with the launch of the K Desktop Environment and GNOME projects. Interface design, visual communication, and information architecture are mandatory concepts for a winning desktop environment. Usability in a distributed and collaborative project is formed through five major items. These are a collaborative environment and a set of tools to strengthen the communication of the project stakeholder, a hierarchical and well-defined decision path that facilitates communication, a trust-based relationship model between developers, users and HCI experts, an initiator capable of making early design decision, and an HCI expert with a background in user-centered design. Institutionalized usability is gaining momentum in open source projects. Linux is dubbed as one of the most innovative Linux distributions focusing on usability. © 2011 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.