Novell Launches the Better Desktop Initiative

Novell Launches the Better Desktop Initiative

Novell today announced the launch of the Better Desktop initiative, a new component of the openSUSE project that provides open source developers with usability testing data and resources they can use to improve the quality of the Linux* desktop. Novell is releasing primary desktop research, including video footage and analysis of usability tests, at betterdesktop.openSUSE.org. Instructions for constructing and operating a low-cost usability lab will also be provided. For the first time, open source developers worldwide will be able to see for themselves the types of desktop software designs that are succeeding with end users. As a result, open source developers will have the resources to build applications that better meet the needs and expectations of users and ultimately help drive the adoption of Linux on the desktop.

“This is a valuable contribution to the Linux community that will help open source developers benefit from Novell’s research to create a better, more user-friendly desktop,” said Gary Barnett, research director at technology consultants Ovum. “Usability is a key requirement in order to drive the Linux desktop into the mainstream. Novell’s focus on usability, and this contribution to the worldwide community of Linux developers, will help break down some of the barriers to mainstream Linux adoption on the desktop.”

Although usability testing and refinement can dramatically improve software development efforts, most developers lack the resources to conduct these tests. With Novell’s contributions through betterdesktop.openSUSE.org, open source developers now have the information they need to refine applications, including adjustments to menus, screen layouts, dialog boxes, and even the icons and colors of a user interface.

Read the complete Press Release