Linux for UX Designers: What I learn after a year of doing design work on Linux

I work as a Web designer in Linux. I'm not sure that I could completely get away with it if I wasn't already pretty code / frontend focused. I reach quite a bit to web-based tools (Figma, Whimsical) when I need to do prototyping, and find things like Krita and Inkscape more than competent for actual pixel pushing.

Where things fall apart is when you're in larger teams where everyone uses the more common tools on the more common OSes. Collaboration becomes much harder, and there are certain walls you can't cross. The other weak spot is with video editing. There are options, but none of them are as easy to use as the ones you'll find on OSX.

Design requires A LOT of screenshotting, and for that I resorted to building my own workflows [0]. That sort of brings up the major benefit of Linux as a designer. You really do get to build out your "dream" setup, and my Desktop over the years is really customized to the way I work, not the way others work. That's part of the joy of design for me, and while it certainly will limit me to working with Startups or companies that are OK with individuality in workflows, it's provided a level of happiness I wouldn't trade. If anyone is interested, I wrote about my thoughts about using Linux as a designer over here [1].

[0]: https://www.davesnider.com/posts/screenshot-app

[1]: https://www.davesnider.com/posts/im-a-linux

There's an open-source Figma alternative called Penpot: https://penpot.app/

When Apple orphaned my late-2014 iMac, I tried OpenCore Legacy, but it was plagued by weird glitches and stalls that rendered some things (notably Safari) pretty much unusable.

I installed Mint and now I have a nice 25-inch Linux workstation. Everything works fine.

Unpopular opinion: the web stack including Electron apps, which many people here find every opportunity to complain about, made this possible.

Glad to see another UX designer adopting Framework and Linux!

I'm curious as to what the task list/notetaking application and color contrast application are as they look quite useful.

Linux offers a compelling alternative for designers seeking customization, cost-efficiency, and stability. Your article is great. It covers all the important points that can help UX designers.

Fully expect that Asahi will be an excellent drop-in replacement for when Apple finally puts my knockabout 2020 M1 Air (excellent hardware, pry it from my cold dead fingers) out to pasture.

I’ve got a fair amount of criticism for the direction of Apple’s various OSes, but have to admit that the fact that my nearly 8-year old iPad Pro still runs the latest iPad OS without issue speaks volumes about the longevity of their hardware. Or some of it, anyway.

I’ve tried using Linux for my office job. The distro itself isn’t even relevant. They all work nice.

The one thing however that ruins it is the lack of a fully compatible office suite.

Compatible wit MS office that is.

I’ve tried a few creations but they always fall short. And in all fairness that’s mostly due to MS and not the others but it’s an issue…

The apple office suit is even worse then the foss things i must add.

When I started at my current job I had the choice which OS and/or machine I'd like. I always wanted to give Linux a try so I went with Kububtu/Windows Dual-Boot.

After a year I removed the Windows part as I never used it. I am still happily using Linux (has been 5 years now) and find no issues with it.

I was smeared and defamed here on HN for saying that Linux Gnome is a more beautiful looking GUI than MacOS. But I stand by it. Gnome is consistent and clear, while MacOS currently looks like a Linux knock-off of MacOS. But looks aside, Linux is an atrocious OS to actually use for professionals who are not developers.

nice article, thanks for this. It's great to know that linux increased usability in another areas beyond software development.

I use Linux with mainly the command-line programs, so there is no dock, icons, menus, etc. Most functions I will do by the command shell with xterm, although I do have some GUI programs. I do not use any of the software listed in that article, except Linux itself, and Firefox (although it is a rather old version).

But, it is good to know about these things so that other people who do want to use these programs can know how to use them on Linux.