Need to buy a subway ticket on your phone? Download an app.
Need to send a text message? Download an app.
Need to approve your bank transactions? Download an app.

To download an app in 2026, you must use either iOS or Android. In other words, to participate in everyday activities, you need an account with one of two U.S.-based companies. It would take a lot to convince users and software vendors to switch to a platform other than iOS or Android – but even worse, such a platform doesn't exist yet! Linux is a good candidate for a smartphone operating system, because it is open and free. However, it lacks adequate device support and a tolerable user experience. What can we, as designers, contribute?

In this seminar, we will explore what an enjoyable, frictionless Linux smartphone would look like. We will examine existing mobile Linux user interfaces, focusing on the GNOME Shell. We will delve into the history of handheld computers and mobile operating systems. We will study the familiar interaction patterns in iOS and Android. Then, we will design GNOME mobile apps to solve specific use cases, critiquing and shaping the underlying operating system as we go. Members of the GNOME team and the Modal Collective (modal.cx) will support our efforts and provide insights into the world of open-source design.

This class will be taught in English. While basic skills in user interface design are appreciated, the class is open to anyone interested in the topic.