Ideas on modernizing the open-source desktop
Scott Jenson urged KDE to modernize Linux desktop UX beyond the decades-old windows-and-icons model.
At KDE Akademy 2026, UX designer Scott Jenson argued that open-source desktops have barely changed in 20 years and should experiment beyond the windows, icons, menus, and pointer model. He cited Macintosh Finder details, including mid-name ellipses and raising windows on mouse-up rather than mouse-down, a drag behavior a KDE developer later implemented within hours. Jenson, formerly of Apple and Google and now working with Mastodon and Home Assistant, said understaffed projects still need more original UX research.
- Jenson told KDE Akademy 2026 that desktop UX has stalled for 20 years.
- Linux desktops largely copied Windows and Mac research, he argued.
- A KDE developer implemented his cross-window drag behavior within hours.
- He now does UX work for Mastodon and Home Assistant.
From the original article
15 min read at lwn.netScott Jenson has been working on user interfaces (UIs) and user experience (UX) for many years at Apple, Google, and other companies. Now, he's trying to convince open-source projects to experiment more and drive the desktop beyond the age-old " windows, icons, menus,
By signa11 · lwn.net
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