Blue95: a desktop for your childhood home's computer room (github.com)

Article summary

Blue95 is a modern desktop experience inspired by the aesthetic of a bygone era of computing, specifically Windows 95. It is based on Fedora Atomic Xfce with the Chicago95 theme and aims to provide a lightweight and usable out-of-the-box experience. The project goals include matching upstream Fedora Xfce in terms of core system components and update schedule, while also providing an aesthetic rooted in the past. A live ISO is available for testing.

Main themes

• Retro computing
• UI design
• Usability vs aesthetics
• Windows 95 nostalgia
• Desktop environments

What commenters say

• The Windows 95 UI, although not pretty, is functional and some argue that modern UIs are not necessarily better.
• The emphasis on branding and aesthetics in modern UI design has led to a decline in usability.
• Some argue that the shift from HCI experts and engineers to graphic designers as UI/UX developers has contributed to the prioritization of 'pretty' over 'useful' in UI design.
• Others believe that the rise of mobile and web-based applications has changed the role of UI/UX designers, making it more focused on user experience rather than just UI.
• There is a perceived lack of consistency in modern UI design, with some arguing that it has led to a 'hellscape' of inconsistent and confusing interfaces.
• The abandonment of coherent organizing principles in UI layout in favor of pure aesthetics has been seen as a regression in UI design.
• Some commenters feel that the focus on accessibility has led to a neglect of usability, with features being hidden or removed in the name of simplicity.
• The value of UX testing and research is emphasized, with some arguing that it is often overlooked in favor of trendy designs and branding.