Open source projects can easily slide into a focus on technical aspects - what the software does and how efficiently it runs. This collection explores a different dimension: creating projects that foster genuine connection and positive community culture.
What you'll learn:
- Eight practical guidelines for building welcoming project cultures without sacrificing standards
- How continuous dialogue with users shapes better features (with real examples from Docsify-This)
- Why emotional connection matters alongside functionality—and how to create it
- Practical approaches to continuous user research through dialogue where your users are
Posts in this pack:
- **Building Open-source Projects with a Positive Vibe: 8 Practical Guidelines**
Lead with transformation not features. Acknowledge contributors as collaborators. Create moments of delight. Eight concrete practices that make projects more inviting.
- **Building Open-source Projects with a Positive Vibe**
The original post that asked: Can users love their software tools the way they love a favourite song? Why we need to move beyond platform shaming and us-vs-them thinking.
- **Ad-hoc ("Dialog-driven") Continuous User Research**
User research doesn't require formal studies or surveys. Here's how to maintain ongoing dialogue where your users already are - and turn conversations into insights.
- **How User Feedback Can Help Shape Open Source: Two Features Born from Community Dialogue**
Blog-style layouts and back-links: two features that emerged directly from engagement with educators. Community-driven development in practice.
Explore other topic packs:
🌱 Sustainable Open Source Projects Pack - Build projects you can maintain in the long run
🎯 **Project Clarity Framework Pack** - Keep projects focused for both developers and users
Or: View all of Paul’s blog posts →