Leveraging Design Expertise in Open-Source 3D Software Organizations
Building Design Capacity through a Workflow-Integrated Design System - A Case Study of Blender
S.W. Tip (TU Delft - Industrial Design Engineering)
J.W. Hoftijzer – Mentor (TU Delft - Industrial Design Engineering)
M. Bos-de Vos – Mentor (TU Delft - Industrial Design Engineering)
Dalai Felinto – Mentor
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Abstract
This thesis investigates the challenge of leveraging design expertise in the development processes of a large-scale open-source 3D software organization, using Blender as a case study. While open-source projects like Blender thrive on community-driven and very technical contributions, they often lack approaches to integrate or leverage design expertise, leading to a "chronic scarcity of design expertise" at Blender. This research identifies the root of this challenge in a historically technology-first culture, which creates friction in designer-developer collaboration, results in inaccessible design knowledge, and hinders the leveraging of external design contributions.
To provide a more fitting analytical lens for this unique open-source environment, the thesis introduces the concept of Design Capacity: a measure of an ecosystem's systemic infrastructure and ability to effectively integrate and leverage design potential. Through stakeholder interviews, literature reviews, and participation, the thesis identifies a deficit in Blender's organizational design capacity, creating challenges. The central research question explores how practical interventions can improve the design workflow of the core Blender team to increase the ability to leverage their design expertise.
The findings suggest implementing a design system. This system is presented as a tactical intervention designed to bridge the gap between designers and developers. By creating a shared language and a single source of truth for design, the proposed design system aims to resolve the identified challenges, improve collaboration, and ultimately build Blender's long-term Design Capacity to create more value for its entire ecosystem.