Sorry, i have read opinions like the one in the article many times, but i think they are just plain wrong. They are a myth. They were true in times when gtk1, gnome 1 or fvwm were standard. (And that was imo long before 2002). But times have definetly changed. I prefer the design of linux and of open source apps. I am no open source developer, but i am using it every day, so:
1. Most linux distros have well designed UIs, most linux apps too. I would say that open source apps have a focus on efficiency while many windows apps have a focus on first-time-users.
2. Many existing flaws of open source user interfaces have practical reasons: open source is always somehow "work in progress" / many open source desktop apps are somehow frontends for command line apps / many open source apps are grown products which for example come out of old gtk-times.
3. The real horror are many closed source apps which just ignore all developed gui standards just because of marketing reasons: Why does my windows desktop firewall or antivirus need their own gui design and even changeable skins?! Why does my windows office software give a sh on what i think is the best ui for my needs? Why does every app i install have to clutter my desktop with wizards, autoupdate-system notifications (which somehow look more like company ads) and hints to other products?
1. Most linux distros have well designed UIs, most linux apps too. I would say that open source apps have a focus on efficiency while many windows apps have a focus on first-time-users.
2. Many existing flaws of open source user interfaces have practical reasons: open source is always somehow "work in progress" / many open source desktop apps are somehow frontends for command line apps / many open source apps are grown products which for example come out of old gtk-times.
3. The real horror are many closed source apps which just ignore all developed gui standards just because of marketing reasons: Why does my windows desktop firewall or antivirus need their own gui design and even changeable skins?! Why does my windows office software give a sh on what i think is the best ui for my needs? Why does every app i install have to clutter my desktop with wizards, autoupdate-system notifications (which somehow look more like company ads) and hints to other products?