About

Hello there

On this page

  1. Our Mission and Purpose
  2. Acknowledgments
  3. For Educators
  4. Invitation to Contribute

Our Mission and Purpose

Welcome to our comprehensive curriculum on contributing to open source projects as a designer! Our mission is to empower designers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make meaningful contributions to the world of open source software.

We believe that design plays a crucial role in the success and adoption of open source projects. By bridging the gap between designers and the open source community, we aim to:

  1. Improve the user experience of open source software
  2. Make open source projects more accessible to a wider audience
  3. Encourage collaboration between designers and developers
  4. Foster innovation in open source design
  5. Create opportunities for designers to grow their skills and expand their portfolios

This curriculum is designed to guide you through the entire process of contributing to open source projects as a designer, from understanding the basics of open source to making your first contribution and beyond.

Acknowledgments

Our Supporters

This curriculum wouldn't be possible without the support of numerous individuals and organizations who share our vision for a more design-centric open source ecosystem. We'd like to extend our heartfelt thanks to:

  • Placeholder for specific supporters (TODO)

Your belief in our mission and your generous support have been instrumental in bringing this curriculum to life.

The Open Source Community

We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the broader open source community. Your tireless efforts, innovation, and commitment to sharing knowledge have created a rich ecosystem that benefits millions of people worldwide. This curriculum stands on the shoulders of giants – the countless contributors who have shaped the open source landscape over the years.

Special thanks to:

  • The maintainers and contributors of major open source projects who have paved the way for better design integration
  • Open source designers who have shared their experiences and best practices
  • Organizations that promote open source design, such as Open Source Design and the Bitcoin Design Community
  • Educational institutions and platforms that support open source education

Your work inspires us and provides the foundation upon which we build.

For Educators

We're thrilled that you're considering using this curriculum in your educational program! Whether you're running a bootcamp, an online workshop, or integrating this into a broader course, we've designed this curriculum to be flexible and adaptable to various learning environments.

How to Use This Curriculum

  1. Modular Structure: Each chapter is designed as a standalone module, allowing you to mix and match based on your program's needs and time constraints.
  2. Hands-on Projects: We've included practical exercises and a final project. These can be expanded into larger assignments or group projects for your students.
  3. Discussion Prompts: Each chapter includes topics that can spark meaningful discussions. Use these to encourage critical thinking and debate among your students.
  4. Real-world Examples: The case studies provided can be used as starting points for more in-depth analysis or as inspiration for student projects.
  5. Customization: Feel free to supplement our material with your own examples, exercises, or additional resources that are relevant to your specific audience.

Tips for Different Settings

  • Bootcamps: Focus on the practical aspects and hands-on exercises. Consider having students contribute to a real open source project as their final assignment.
  • Online Workshops: Break the content into digestible segments. Use the exercises as homework between sessions and dedicate live time to discussions and Q&A.
  • University Courses: Expand on the theoretical aspects, perhaps inviting guest speakers from open source projects. Encourage students to critically analyze existing open source designs.
  • Self-paced Online Course: Provide clear milestones and create a community platform where learners can discuss topics and share their work.

Additional Resources

We're committed to supporting educators in delivering this content effectively. Here are some additional resources:

  • Slide decks for each chapter (TODO)
  • Additional exercises and project ideas (TODO)
  • A forum for educators to share experiences and best practices (TODO)

We welcome your feedback and suggestions on how to improve this curriculum for educational use. Please share your experiences and ideas through our GitHub repository or educator's forum.

Invitation to Contribute

This curriculum, like the open source projects it teaches about, is a collaborative effort. We invite you to contribute to its ongoing development and improvement. Whether you're an experienced open source designer or just starting your journey, your input is valuable.

Here's how you can contribute:

  1. Content Improvements: Help us refine existing chapters, add new insights, or suggest additional topics.
  2. Case Studies: Share your experiences contributing to open source projects as a designer.
  3. Visual Assets: Create illustrations, diagrams, or other visual aids to enhance the learning experience.
  4. Translations: Help make this curriculum accessible to non-English speakers.
  5. Feedback: Share your thoughts on the curriculum's effectiveness and areas for improvement.

To contribute, please visit our GitHub repository. There, you'll find detailed guidelines on how to submit your contributions.

Remember, every contribution, no matter how small, helps improve this resource for designers worldwide. Together, we can create a more inclusive, design-friendly open source ecosystem.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Let's shape the future of open source design together!